46 BRIGHT FEATHERS. 
which humble garb the Quaker complexioned band is just as happy. 
just as free, and just as unconcerned, careless and gay, as though the 
lords wore their topaz garniture and the ladies were the pleased and 
contented recipients of their courtly gallantries. 
This plumose change of the birds has excited the discussion and 
close observation of many eminent naturalists. Mr. George Ord, writ- 
ing in March 1828, with a view to ascertaining whether the opinion of 
Temminck, that some birds changed their plumage ¢wzce a year was 
founded in fact, says: ‘‘ This change takes place, in some species, in 
summer ; in others inautumn. When the old feathers drop, their place 
is supplied by new ones, which, in some species, are of quite a different 
complexion from those that they succeed, But when, in the spring, a 
retrocession of color is found to have taken place, naturalists have con- 
cluded that these birds undergo a double moulting ; for in no other way 
could they account for the change of color, which has been supposed to 
be dependent upon a change of plumage. The species which are usu- 
ally domesticated have been said to moult but once a year, because, not 
perceiving any material change in their garb, it is inferred that no change 
is necessary, and yet, if any notable mutation had obtained in any one 
of the domesticated species, it is probable it would be affirmed of that 
species that there was some physical necessity for this exception which 
did not hold of the rest.” 
“The intention of Nature in renewing the covering of birds appears 
to be a reinvigoration of those powers which are necessary to the 
propagation and conservation of the animal. After the breeding season 
is passed, the period of moulting commences. The effects of this ex- 
hausting process, which, if not a disease, is closely allied to it, are well 
known. When the bird recovers its strength, we find it in a new garb, 
aerate lp alt 
