COURTSHIP AMONG BIRDS 99 



the rest in shadow ; and, singularly enough, this effect 

 is produced in the living bird only when the feathers are 

 erected for display. The probable steps in the evolu- 

 tion of these ocelli from simple spots, and through elliptical 

 bars, Darwin traced with his usual skill and insight, and 

 those who would follow this up should turn to that 

 wonderful book, " The Descent of Man." 



It is probable that the erroneous interpretation of the 

 display of the Peacock is due to the more lasting and 

 easily remembered impression of what obtains in the case 

 of the Turkey under like emotions. This bird in his 

 exultant moods, most people have seen. Herein the 

 tail plays a very important part, being raised and spread 

 to form a great half-circle, while at the same time the 

 back-feathers, or at least those of the lower back, are set 

 on end, and the wings are trailed on the ground. The 

 effect is heightened by the suffusion of blood to the bare 

 skin of the head and neck, and the sudden inflation of a 

 long, pendent, fleshy wattle from the forehead, which hangs 

 down over the beak. Great display is made with this, 

 and an additional importance is added by the spasmodic 

 vocal efforts which can best be described by the " gobble " 

 rapidly repeated, as the bird struts about with mincing 

 gait, turning the wheel-like tail now to one side now to 

 the other. But the Turkey possesses yet another " orna- 

 ment " which commonly escapes notice. This is the 

 curious tuft of long, black, coarse, bristles which projects 

 forward in front of the breast. It is difficult to discern 

 what part this tuft may play, since it is quite 

 inconspicuous. It seems as though this must be added 

 to the number of structural characters which appear 

 to survive without any apparent use. 



The game-birds, it is significant to remark — and 



7* 



