COLOR AXI) SEX. 47 



male an attractiNc >ii;lit, intliicncinii- licr r-lmifo of a 

 mate. 



There is thus a ])rac'tical agreement in tlie views of 

 tliese naturalists on the origin of those sexual characters 

 which may he classed as weapons, and this oi)inion is, I 

 hclieve, generally accepted. But the question of female 

 preference, and its intiuence on the development of bright 

 colors and accessory plumes, still lacks confirmation. 

 Here is an oppc^rtunity for every one who can watch Avild 

 birds mating. 



