294 SOME OBSERVATIONS ON 



maturation* ; whilst others continue in the act of moulting 

 between three and four months. 



The most perfect state of plumage is observed in the 

 spring. Now, if we admit the fact of a vernal moulting, 

 then must this moulting be characterized by other circum- 

 stances than those which obtain in the autumnal ; for, after 

 the latter, the plumage requires several months to arrive at 

 maturity ; and the Bird, in ridding itself of its excretions, 

 finds itself in too exhausted a state to perform the functions 

 of propagation. The spring moulting, therefore, so far from 

 exercising any debilitating influence upon the physical pow- 

 ers of the Bird, should seem to afford them additional energy : 

 for this moulting is pretended to take place about the period 

 of the sexual union, when all the powers of nature are in full 



vigour. 



In those singing Birds which winter with us, we can per- 

 ceive no diminution of vital energy during the vernal season, 

 either as respects vigour of body, or capacity of voice. The 

 Fringilla tristis, though migratory, frequently continues the 

 whole year with us ; and his song, in the month of March, 

 while yet his autumnal dress continues, is tuneful and ani- 

 mated. The change in his garb begins to appear in April ; 

 and early in May, we behold him in his brilliant yellow plu- 

 mage, which may be termed his bridal garniture, for shortly 

 thereafter commences the period of nidificatiou. During all 

 this season of animation, his tuneful powers are unabated. 

 In September, both sexes are nearly alike, for then they have 

 moulted. 



When the Reed-bird (Emberiza orijzivora) visits us in Au- 

 gust, the male and female adults, as well as the young, so 

 much resemble each other, that it is difficult to distinguish 



* Many Birds change their feathers slowly, particularly their quills, so that they 

 are not prevented from flying ; but wild swans and geese cast their plumage so ra- 

 pidly, even their wing-feathers, that they are unable to fly for several weeks : hence, 

 in the northern parts of our continent, where they breed, many of them become 

 the prey of foxes, and the Indians ; and if they were not endued with extraordinary 

 vigilance and sagacity, their race would stand a chance of becoming extinct. 



