172 BI1W NOTES 



manner of the acquisition seems different not the 

 nature of it. And the experience of the effects of 

 an impulsive cry was probably the root and origin 

 of the instinct inherited in the former case. My 

 belief is that our language began with the expres- 

 sion of feelings, as does that of the birds and beasts ; 

 that it went on to express warnings, demands, and 

 commands. So does the language of birds, as to 

 the expression of warnings and demands at all 

 events. 



February {). 1803. 



Four rooks have been busy on the limes oppo- 

 site this morning; not, of course, with a view of 

 building there ; the branches are not forked 

 enough, and there are plenty of elms about ; but 

 they like to take the long flexible lime-twigs for 

 making their nests. 



February 27, 1HOH. 



Old Tom taps more than ever, especially when 

 his wife is with him. I know by the sound 

 whether she is there or not (generally, at all 

 events) ; and it is pretty to see how he takes a 

 little bit, and then makes way for her and en- 

 courages her to come. But they never eat together. 

 It evidently is not etiquette amongst birds for the 

 two to eat together ; at least it seems so with tits 

 and robins. 



