LXI. A Scientific Query 



CAN any one tell me why it is that hens al- 

 ways sing when fed on corn on the cob. We 

 had been feeding them oats, bran, and oc- 

 casionally wheat, and they took to it in a 

 matter-of-fact way, but when a few cobs of corn 

 were thrown out to them they pecked at it and sang 

 as if their hearts were overflowing with joy. Since 

 noticing this peculiarity I have watched them at 

 every feeding, and it is only the corn that arouses 

 them to music. I also had a chance to make a fur- 

 ther observation on the ducks. One of them got a 

 small ear in its bill and started away on a swift 

 waddle with the rest of the flock trailing behind. 

 Instead of trying to find a quiet corner where it 

 could enjoy its meal it made straight for the mud- 

 puddle and dropped the ear in the center of it. The 

 corn immediately sank out of sight and the whole 

 flock of ducks crowded around to get at it. Judg- 

 ing from the noise they made they must have been 

 enjoying themselves hugely, and I am led to do a 



236 



