88 IN THE LOOKING-GLASS. 



still there, no doubt unable to get over his sur- 

 prise at seeing a bird in that position and ready 

 to meet his bill at every point. The same glass 

 standing up brought out a different demonstra- 

 tion. He stood in front of it and swelled him- 

 self out, while the feathers of the shoulders and 

 breast were erected. Then he opened his 

 mouth wide and attacked the reflection, but was 

 astonished to meet the glass. He touched the 

 bill of his double with his own, and moved all 

 the way to the bottom of the glass, not taking 

 it away, but apparently trying to seize the one 

 which opposed his. He lowered his head as 

 though to take hold of the enemy's foot, then 

 pulled himself up as straight as a soldier, 

 wings and tail constantly jerking with excite- 

 ment. After indulging for some time in these 

 proceedings, he dodged around behind the glass, 

 plainly expecting to pounce upon his opponent, 

 and surprised not to do so. Several times he 

 drew himself up, swelled out his breast, and 

 blustered before the glass. Once he flew up 

 with the reflection in the manner of a quar- 

 relsome cock, and upon reaching the top of the 

 glass, naturally went over and landed behind, 

 without an enemy in sight. Upon this he stared 

 a moment, as if dazed, then shook himself out, 

 and flew away in evident disgust. 



The deliberate, leisurely dressing of plumage, 



