ANALYSIS OF THE STORY OF THE BIRDS. xyij 
become hooked together and air-resisting. Solid vanes also pro- 
tecting to body. Plumage modified much in Nature in keeping 
with the bird’s comfort, safety, and beauty. 
For Study.—Examine any ordinary wing or tail feather, 
Note the infolding of edges of shaft; run a fine wire or bristle 
along the groove into the barrel. Observe that the end is closed 
by a membrane. See the tendency to flossiness near the body. 
Note ornamental degeneration of other feathers, as cocks’ tail 
feathers, peacock and lyre-bird plumes, and ostrich tips. 
CuapTer VIII.—Molt occurs with all birds in the fall. Some 
have various molts, according to needs. Molt necessary for re- 
pair and change of ornament and color; affected strongly by 
environment; now probably a much hurried-up process. Old 
feather usually falls out now, but perhaps was formerly pushed 
out. New colors are also produced by wearing away or shedding 
the feather’s tips. 
For Study.—Note molt of young chicken. See dead center or 
“pith ” of cast-off feather. Note in English sparrow the differ- 
ence in color of the plumage beneath and on the surface. Ob- 
serve the young males’ acquisition of black throat patch, ete. 
Observe nestling down on tips of large feathers of a fully fledged 
young bird yet in nest. 
CuaprerR [X.—Ornament may be incidental, but usually has 
purpose; may prevail anywhere on the body or extremities; is 
often displayed and appreciated ; may be a matter of shape, but 
usually of color, or both combined. Brilliancy a special feature 
of the birds; rarely lost or subdued, but intensified by progress. 
Both form and color ornamentation may at times harmonize well 
with surroundings and become protection. 
Origin of choice discussed. Ornament may be only a sign of 
vigor or conjugal capacity. Instances of appreciation. Males 
usually have more ornament. Some females pretty and males 
plain. Relations between ornament and style of nest and nest- 
ing. Color of female more nearly the primitive color of species. 
For Study.—Note wattles, hackles, and tail plumes of roosters, 
“speculum” on wing of drakes, ete. See the duskiness of female 
cardinal, indigo bird, bluebird, rose-breasted grosbeak, etc. 
CHapTteR X.-—Signal or recognition colors prevail largely 
among birds. Nature’s care about the race makes altruism auto- 
