The Wit of the Wild 



I 1 



to mate for life, owing probably to scarcity 

 of possible partners; but there is no satisfac- 

 tory evidence of this custom among any of the 

 little birds, though it has often been asserted 

 of the dove. 



It is the female, nevertheless, who directs do- 

 mestic affairs, as well she may, for she does 

 most of the housework. She it is who selects 

 the site, and is the architect of the home, deftly 

 weaving the materials and fitting them within 

 to her comfort. Every nest bears upon its in- 

 terior the impress of the faithful breast that 

 molded its form with loving anticipation, and 

 brooded there with patient anxiety. 



At the same time the male is in most cases 

 a worthy assistant, especially among those birds 

 which dig out holes. If he wears a brilliant 

 plumage, however, the male is likely to keep out 

 of sight, for his gaudy presence would often be 

 a dangerous advertisement of the home, which 

 both parents are so anxious to conceal. 



Hence, while the wife works the husband sits 

 within her hearing and sings, partly to her, no 

 doubt, but mainly because he feels too jolly to 



