BIRDS OF THE WAVE AND WOODLAND 6i 



accustomed to the neiorhbourhood of men. But it never 

 becomes in tlie least friendly : never even lays aside a sus- 

 picion which would be unbecoming- in a Central African 

 finch. The ring-dove, on the other hand, recognises at 

 once a benevolent intention, becomes quite tame, and yet, 

 during the nesting-season, cannot accommodate itself to con- 

 ditions so outrageous to its nature. For it loves to build its 

 platform in the most secluded spots, not always far from 

 human habitation, but as far as possible out of sight. 



Again, in protecting its young, this timid bird becomes 

 very bold. I remember taking a young cushat from a tree 

 and trying to rear it by hand, but it was almost full-grown, 

 well-feathered, and too old for the purpose. After two days' 

 very unsuccessful experiments, I took it out on the lawn in a 

 basket, on the chance of its parents being about, and the 

 result was certainly as surprising as it was unlooked-for. The 

 young bird, when we had all retired, began to show signs of 

 excitement, stretching its neck up. and looking all round it 

 vaguely; then it perched on the rim of the basket, and 

 thoroughly searched the tree-tops, and all of a sudden it 

 either saw or heard something that we did not, for it 

 brightened up, stretched its neck to the utmost, looking 

 excitedly in a particular direction, and then flew its first 

 flight, heavily, but straight, to the top of an arbour. 

 Scarcely had its feet touched the roof when, as if by magic, 

 one of the old birds appeared at its side and began at once 



