MARCH. 69 



effect that " when general color is inconspicuous " birds 

 may have some directive coloration, as " colors upon parts 

 of the body which may be hidden during rest, but capa- 

 ble of display automatically either during flight, at the 

 moment of stopping, or during a calling cry." Now the 

 grass-finch can not fly without showing the white feathers 

 in his tail. It is a habit beyond his control, and when the 

 outside white feathers are removed, the tail during flight 

 spreads just the same. The habit is, of course, valueless 

 when the bird is on the ground, for there it can not be 

 seen ; hence my surprise when I saw the movement while 

 the birds stood on the barn-floor. It was in each case ac- 

 companied with a little trembling, a slight vibratory move- 

 ment, suggestive of a desire to shake dust or water from 

 the feathers, yet they were not soiled by either. 



The single night these grass-finches remained in the 

 building they roosted upon the bare floor, and so closely 

 were they huddled together that at three paces distant, by 

 lantern-light, they appeared as one bird. 



The other birds were as uninteresting as so many 

 caged ones, and seemed only anxious to get abroad again. 

 I felt no sorrow when they quitted the barn, but would 

 gladly have had the grass-finches remain, for they were 

 not only instructive but had wit enough to see that I 

 meant them no harm. 



This seemingly trite remark can not be held to go for 

 nothing. It really means a good deal ; namely, that birds 

 can distinguish individuals among men, and, may I add ? 

 can judge of human character. The former is true be- 

 yond question ; and if the latter is not, how is it that some 

 people can never gain the friendship of a caged bird ? 

 With a friend, I recently visited an aviary in town. Upon 

 the finger of its owner a siskin frequently alighted, but 

 could not be approached by my friend or myself. The 

 bird had been taught nothing, but through accumulated 



