THE PSYCHIC DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG ANIMALS 255 



times even when they do. The essential vital processes 

 of the body seem to be deranged by cold. 



The eyes, though shut for the 1st day, or a greater 

 part of it, can be opened forcibly. Nevertheless, the 

 slit between the lids is at first very small. There 

 is no doubt, in my mind, that pigeons are blind at birth. 



The records show that they can soon see, and so early 

 as the 6th day can distinguish objects at the distance 

 of 1 foot. 



The diaries give facts which will enable one to note 

 the rate at which progress in this direction takes place. 

 By about the 10th day the pigeon's vision for objects 

 anywhere in a good-sized loft is excellent. 



The practical absence of the winking reflex in young 

 pigeons is noteworthy. However, it is not easy to 

 cause mature birds to wink. Moving an object before 

 its head, when the bird is held in the hand, causes 

 movement of the head rather than winking. 



The pupillary reflex is, however, soon and well 

 established in birds. 



There is no doubt that the newly-hatched pigeon is 

 deaf, but I have found that hearing may be demon- 

 strated on the 2nd day in some cases. 



It is very rare, indeed, that pigeons manifest any 

 signs of hostility, etc., when caught up in the hands. 



Birds sitting on the nest will sometimes, however, 

 peck vigorously, and the early age at which this pecking 

 or snapping of the beak is exhibited seems to me note- 

 worthy. It illustrates how purely instinctive the 

 matter is. It reminds me forcibly of the hissing of the 

 young kitten, the more so, as both are often evidences 

 of surprise rather than real hostility. 



I have not noticed that the newly -born pigeon has 

 voice, but after a few days (five in one case) the bird 

 " squeaks " on the approach of the parents, and especi- 

 ally when being fed. 



