The Congregation of Birds 



consequence. Thus it is that in aviculture one 

 may find several birds live peaceably in rather 

 close quarters in a cage, and discover, when 

 these are allowed a wider range, which, of 

 course, means better condition, that they be- 

 come murderously quarrelsome. The hunger 

 season is nature's cage to tame the proud 

 stomachs of her feathered children, and they 

 are humble in their want, for even in the 

 tropics, if there is practically no starvation, 

 there are months when the living is by no 

 means high. This is what makes association 

 possible, with all its advantages of defence ; 

 but the disposition of the individual species or 

 natural group must be taken into account, for 

 some will always be free - lances in spite of 

 climate or consequence ; the dhyal of India is 

 just as bent on keeping the garden to himself 

 as his near relative the robin in England. 

 The dhyal also, in Burmah at any rate, shows 

 a similar strong tendency to draw near to 

 man. After all, the strain of constant watch- 

 fulness is probably too much at times for even 

 the most independent bird, and he is glad to 

 feel the protection of the unfeathered biped 

 presence which he sees inspire all other animals 

 with fear. 



205 



