RURAL BIRD LIFE. 



greater amount of affection than those which pair every 

 season, and what ends are gained by such procedure ? 

 While those who pair every season, as soon as the young 

 are sufficiently matured to take care of themselves, do 

 the ties which previously united them together entirely 

 cease, and for what reason ? Is this peculiar instinct, 

 call it affection if you will, wanting in polygamous birds, 

 and why ? Is it because the presence of the males would 

 probably, owing to their conspicuous colours, &c., lead 

 to the destruction of their brood, were they to share the 

 duties of incubation with the females ? If this be so, we 

 cannot but admire the peculiar instinct which exists 

 within them, and instead of considering the male bird 

 wanting in affection for his mate and offspring, by his 

 very absence he contributes largely to their welfare. 

 In many species of birds — notably the water birds — it is 

 difficult to say under which of my first two divisions they 

 fall. This subject, deeply pondered, only tends to show 

 us upon what an intricate foundation the system of 

 Nature is based ; and, though apparently of but small 

 moment, we may rest assured that the part it plays in 

 the economy of the feathered race is no unimportant 

 one. 



