2i8 JUNGLE FOLK 



fly where they Hst ; well might they be enrolled in the 

 Yellow Ribbon Army, that noble band who eat what 

 they like, drink what they like, say what they like, 

 and do what they like. 



Of the fraternity of the little society we have already 

 spoken. Of their equality there can be no room for 

 doubt. They have no leader. Now brother Number 

 Two, now brother Number Five moves on first, to be 

 followed by his comrades. They seem all to fall in with 

 the views of whoever for the moment takes the lead. 

 There is much to be said for this form of life. It makes 

 the birds, who are individually weak, bold. They have 

 often hopped about outside my tent, jumping on to the 

 ropes, and seeking food within a couple of inches of the 

 chik on the other side of which I was standing. They 

 seem to court the company of man. It is in the com- 

 pound rather than the jungle that they abound. If one 

 of the little company be attacked by a more powerful 

 bird, his comrades come at once to his assistance. 

 Some naturalists declare that they will go so far as to 

 attack a sparrow-hawk, others say they will not. 

 Probably both are right. All men are not equally 

 brave, nor are all babbler thrushes equally bold. Even 

 the bravest species has to confess to a Bob Acres or 

 two. As a matter of fact, the brotherhood is not 

 afforded many opportunities of displaying its valour, 

 for it is rarely attacked. Birds of prey know better 

 than to molest social birds ; they are aware of the fact 

 that it is difficult to elude sixteen or twenty watchful 

 eyes, and even if this feat be accomplished there is 

 always the fear of a stout resistance. The babbler 



