approach one another and stand as if prepared to ward off a very 
vigorous onslaught ; reminding one of two barn-door cockerels. 
With lowered head and neck they face one another, the beautiful 
lyrate tail spread fan-wise, and arched so that the curled, outer, 
feathers touch the ground, while the wings are trailed like those 
of the turkey-cock. Then one will at last rush forward, and 
seizing his adversary by the scruff of the neck, will administer 
a sound beating with his wings. The victor celebrates his 
triumph by a loud, and most unmusical screech, which has been 
likened, by that accomplished observer and sportsman-artist, 
Mr. J. G. Millais, to the call of cats on the house-tops at mid- 
night. But presently a greyhen makes her appearance. 
Hostilities cease at once, on all sides; and intense excitement 
prevails amongst the whole assembly—for a large number of 
cocks will gather together at these sparring matches. Her 
approach has been observed by a single bird, who, unintentionally, 
gives the signal by suddenly drawing himself up to a rigid 
position of attention, till he is sure she is really coming, then 
he throws himself into the air and flutters up a few feet, uttering 
at the same time, a peculiar hoarse note of exultation. Immed- 
iately all the others follow suit ; each seeming to strive to outdo 
his neighbour in a series of absurd pirouettings. Here we have 
a “ Love-flight,” of exceedingly brief duration, associated with 
terrestrial combats and frantic prancings. 
54 
