BUTTERFLIES OF MT. HOOD 161 



Only this morning, the whole flock of chickens 

 in the hen-yard started suddenly on the wild flap 

 to see which would beat to the back fence, and 

 wound up at the "tape " in a free fight, two of 

 the cockerels tearing the feathers from each other 

 in a desperate set-to. 



You have seen puppies fall out in the same 

 human fashion, and kittens also, and other folk 

 as well. I have seen a game of wood tag among 

 friendly gray squirrels come to a finish in a free 

 fight. As the crows pass over during the winter 

 afternoon you will notice their play, racing 

 each other through the air, diving, swooping, 

 cawing in their fun, when, suddenly, some one's 

 temper snaps, and there is a general mix-up in 

 the air. I watched the butterflies for such evi- 

 dences of temper and individuality, but saw no- 

 thing like recognition of each other among them, 

 no communication of any sort, no initiative ex- 

 cept as one would turn aside from his play to 

 light for a sip of snow or a moment of rest in 

 the sun. Yet I have seen angry butterflies, one 

 mourning-cloak (Vanessa antiopa) putting a whole 

 stumpful to flight by dashing in among them. 

 Here on the peak there must have been some 



