174 MUTTON BIRDS 



creation, the incubatoriuiii would I conceive be Fonie sort of small 

 conservatory. 



At any rate, even in sunny Ilawke's Bay, nidifieation in the open 

 would be inadvisable. A flood like that of 1896 would do immense 

 harm, for no number of waterproofs would keep out a foot and a 

 half of rain in forty hours. It would bd most stuffy underneath 

 them too, and I should fear might in many cases ultimately cause 

 desertion. 



Both sexes would sit, and certainly tlie nest would be on the 

 ground— for our females are poor climbers. Of that I have no doubt, 

 but the probable dross of the incubating female I confess baffles 

 me. That ot the male Avould combine a proper regard for appear- 

 ances with some degree of comfort and an entire freedom of the 

 lower limbs. As the extremities would be hidden by the edges of 

 the nest, bed socks would be worn, pyjama trousers to the waist, 

 above, ordinary evening dress — dinner jacket and black tie — and for 

 head gear, simply the top hat. Judging by analogy, it is likely that 

 the male, when off his nest, would be very jealous of the presence of 

 any other male about his "run," so that parties held in honour of 

 the event would be purely hen functions. 



The female would on the nest, I imagine, be indisposed to talk, 

 a little languid, easily ruffled, with strongly marked sedentary 

 tendencies and, in a word, broody. 



The feature of each entertainment, would be the sight of the 

 sexes changing position and on account of his highly specialised 

 breeding attire — bed socks and top-hat — the male would probably 

 exhibit some shyness, and would seek to slip on to his nest very 

 quietly. T believe that actual staring would be considered rude, 

 and that observation would be indirect rather and sidelong. 



I think, too, that all talk in the incubatorium would be low and 

 restrained. It would be impossible, nevertheless, after the hen had 

 gone and her partner was arranging himself on the nest, quite to 

 check the enthusiasm of young things, unmated, and still in immature 

 plumage. Nor do I believe that the whispered remark, "Ah, how he 

 can curl his dear legs, ' ' would be offensive even to the most timid 

 male. 



