GOING TO BED. 103 



of the cage, and placed themselves so close 

 together that they looked like a wide ball, or 

 two balls that had been almost pressed into one 

 when in a very soft state. In the morning the 

 feathers on the side next the mate were crushed 

 flat, requiring much shaking and dressing to 

 give them their ordinary appearance. What 

 was curious, the female took the outside, no 

 doubt with the motherly motive of taking care 

 of him. To see them settle themselves was 

 pleasing. Being more quiet and less nervous 

 than his spouse, the singer generally retired 

 first, some time before she was ready, and com- 

 posed himself in a moment in his corner, for 

 they were never restless at evening ; she fol- 

 lowed when she chose. Occasionally, however, 

 she went first, taking her place about as far as 

 usual from the wires, and leaving space for 

 him. But if he went to his place, there was 

 not room to turn around, facing the middle of 

 the cage, as was their custom ; and he seemed 

 to appreciate the difficulty, for he hopped up 

 on the outside, or the wrong side of her. In- 

 stantly she jumped to a lower perch, when he 

 sidled up to his regular place, and she at once 

 returned and took her usual position beside 

 him. One night something startled them, and 

 both flew wildly around the cage. I produced 

 a light to show them the perches, so they might 



