CHAPTER, “Exe 
‘‘ PUTTING ON PAINT AND FRILLS’? AMONG THE BIRDS. 
Iy the previous chapter something has been said 
of how these are put on, but in this the reason for it 
is talked about. Ornament prevails throughout Na- 
ture. Much of it may be incidental to the mere form 
and structure of the material, but its existence for 
purpose can not well be denied. Its voluntary dis- 
play is very evident in the birds. Display argues ap- 
preciation, at least as expected if not given; and 
appreciation implies choice and desire to possess. 
Thus love and beauty have come down the ages hand 
in hand. 
Ornament is not confined to any part of the body. 
Choice has no law. Nothing is more freakish. It is 
a law unto itself. Some persons marry for face; oth- 
ers for form. While one indites a “ballad to his 
mistress’s eyebrow,” another raves over the arch of 
her instep. It is so with the birds. Ornamentation 
may run from beak to toe, according to the fancy, 
doubtless, of the chooser or admirer. 
In the charming season some feathered Juliet may 
be ravished by the lengthened beak of her Romeo, as 
in some finches; or by the extra pieces he has piled 
44 
