112 The Study of Animal Life part i 



the habits of birds and reptiles, in spite of their genuine 

 blood-relationship. Yet the python coiled round her eggs 

 is a prophecy of the brooding birds, as in past ages the 

 flopping Saurians prophesied their swift-winged flight. The 

 sharpness of the contrast is also lessened by the fact that a 

 few birds, like the mound-builders, do not brood at all ; while 

 others, it must be confessed, are somewhat careless. But, 

 exceptions and criminals apart, birds are so lavish in their 

 love, so constant in their carefulness, that it is difficult to 

 speak of them without exaggeration. I am quite willing to 

 allow that they often act without thought (that is half 

 the beauty of it) ; nor do I doubt that many species 

 would have gone to the wall long since in the struggle of 

 life if the parents had not taken so much care of the young ; 

 but I would rather emphasise at present the reality that 

 they do sacrifice themselves for the sake of their young 

 to a most remarkable degree, and spend themselves not for 

 individual ends, but for their offspring. 



Before the time of egg-laying the birds build their nests, 

 eagerly but without hurry, instinctively yet with some plas- 

 ticity, and often with much beauty. On the laid eggs, 

 which require warmth to develop, the mothers brood, 

 and though to rest after reproduction is natural, the brood- 

 ing is not without its literal patience. Among polygamous 

 birds the males are, as one would expect, more or less 

 careless of their mates, but most of the monogamous males 

 are careful either in sharing the duty of brooding or in 

 supplying the females with food. After the eggs hatch, 

 the degree of care required varies according to the 

 state of the young; for many are precociously energetic 

 and able to look after themselves, while others still require 

 prolonged nurture. They need large quantities of food, 

 to supply which all the energies of both parents seem 

 sometimes no more than adequate ; they may still require 

 to be brooded over, and certainly to be protected from 

 rain and enemies. After they are reared, they have to be 

 taught to fly, to catch food, to avoid danger, and a dozen 

 other arts. With what apparent love — willing and joyous 

 — is all this done for them ! 



