THE RUFF AND REEVE. 



329 



An erroneous opinion tsrevails very generally, that Ruffs ^v^^cn nt 

 confinement must be fed in the d.-irk, L-st the admission of light 

 should induce them to fight. The fact is, that every bird, even when 



kept in a room, tatea its stand, as it would in the open air; and if 

 another invade its circle a battle ensues. A whole room full of thetn 

 may be set into fierce contest by compelling them to shift their 

 stations ; but, after the disturber has quitted the place, they have 

 been observed to resume their circles, and become again pacitij. 



