414 The Outline of Science 



than others are more social in their relationships. And this is 

 shown very clearly in the devices which some species have adopted 

 for their mutual protection during sleep. The common partridge, 

 as is well known, lives in small companies, or 'coveys,' which 

 scatter only while feeding, and then not far enough to be beyond 

 call. Later in the day, as soon 'as the beetles begin to buzz,' says 

 Professor Newton, the whole move away together to some spot 

 where they jug, as it is called that is, squat and nestle close to- 

 gether for the night; and from the appearance of the mutings, 

 or droppings, which are generally deposited in a circle of only a 

 few inches in diameter, it would appear that the birds arrange 

 themselves also in a circle, of which their tails form the centre, all 

 the heads being outward a disposition which instinct has sug- 

 gested as the best for observing the approach of any of their 

 numerous enemies, whatever may be the direction, and thus in- 

 crease their security by enabling them to avoid a surprise. Ducks 

 similarly take special precautions to secure safety during sleep, 

 when this must be taken in exposed situations, as when, for ex- 

 ample, they desire to doze between the intervals of feeding during 

 the night, which they pass afloat. At such times they keep close 

 together, and to avoid drifting ashore keep one leg slowly pad- 

 dling, and thus drive themselves round in circles." 



There is sometimes co-operation in hunting as we have al- 

 ready noted in the case of pelicans, which combine in a crescent 

 and, wading shorewards, drive the fish before them; when they 

 have got them cornered they fill their huge throat pouches. It is 

 said that a pair of golden eagles will occasionally hunt in concert, 

 one beating the bushes while the other flies overhead, waiting to 

 pounce. 



With birds, as with other animals, we see, as we do in human 

 beings, that some individuals are gifted above others of their 

 kind. A few may have a keener sense, greater strength or power 

 of leadership, a more helpful spirit than their fellows. This 

 counts for much in a social state. "The action of the gander and 



