THE NOTE OF INTERROGATION 121 



The young pair, after sitting for a day or two 

 in a melancholy mood on the gate or near it, 

 gazing at the spot where the nest had been (for I 

 had removed it), went further afield for their 

 second home, though they came to the window 

 occasionally. Whilst they were feeding their 

 first brood at the gate, they used to come back- 

 wards and forwards constantly from them to the 

 window, feeding their young with the bacon which 

 no doubt slipped very comfortably down the little 

 throats. They came flying straight to me when 

 I came down in the morning, and seemed to hear 

 my voice across the lawn when I called them. 



March 21, 1888. 



Why putting the head on one side should be 

 an inquisitive gesture, I really cannot say ; but 

 certainly the robins do it as well as their human 

 ' superiors.' This young robin, who is not sure of 

 being always in favour, because I have sometimes 

 scolded and sent him away baconless when he 

 has been chasing my old friend, comes now with 

 a tentative air, stands beside the plate with his 

 head well on one side, and looks up in my face. 

 The expression of inquiry, which is of course 

 solely the effect of attitude, is quite perfect and 

 unmistakable. Is it an accidental coincidence ? 

 or do others of the lower animals express inquiry 

 in the same manner ? 



