SECTION IV., 1895. [ 241 ] Trans. R. S. C. 
XII. — The Psychic Development of Young Animals and its Physical 
Correlation. 
By Weszey Mizis, M.A., MD. FRS.C. 
ee 
Professor of Physiology in McGill University, Montreal. 
(Read May 16, 1895.) 
ML. 
THe PiGeon. THE Domestic Fowt. 
THE PIGEON. 
So far as Tam aware no investigations on birds of the kind set forth 
in this paper have been made, except in the case of the domestic fowl and 
the pheasant. As my observations on the pigeon are the most complete, 
they will be recorded first. 
I have bred a large variety of pure-bred pigeons for many years and 
have kept notes on a considerable number of subjects relating thereto ; 
but the following are the most complete consecutive records bearing on 
the psychic development of pigeons that I have made, and are accom- 
panied with a fairly complete account of contemporaneous physical 
changes ; and T trust that so long an acquaintance with pigeons may be 
some guarantee of correct observation and interpretation. 
My pigeons have been kept in a large, airy, clean loft; have been 
well fed and provided with plenty of good water, 
matter in the case of pigeons. 
They have been at liberty to fly out of the loft freely almost 
every day. Asa matter of fact, the state of health in the entire loft has 
been good. | 
All of these things are, of course, of importance in interpreting the 
records that follow. 
It seemed to me highly desirable that not only different breeds, but 
different individuals should be the subject of observation. 
I would remind those not familiar with the habits of pigeons, that 
the male and female, unlike domestic fowls, pair up mostly for life if not 
interfered with, so that, speaking generally, a number of pairs may 
be kept in the same compartment of a loft without crossing, whether they 
be of the same or of different varieties when once they are thoroughly 

a most important 
mated. 
The male and female sit on the eggs in turn, and both take upon 
them the work of feeding. which consists of disgorging into the mouth 
Sec. IV., 1895. 16. 
