60 THE HUMAN SIDE OF BIRDS 



Drumming comes first; and this is done in a most 

 jnusual way. As he rises in the air and descends with 

 his broad tail expanded and vibrating, a peculiar 

 metallic sound is produced. It is not very musical 

 at best, but all the female partridges from far and 

 near come to hear and see the wonderful perform- 

 ance. 



It sometimes happens that a lively combat en- 

 sues, and terminates only in death. This battle is 

 often fought right on the dancing-floor and the 

 females take unusual interest in it. After the bat- 

 tle has ended and the lucky bird has won his bride, 

 all dancing and drumming ceases and perfect har- 

 mony follows. 



Truly wonderful is the dainty dancing of the 

 little English sparrow. It often happens that 

 several males will dance and chirp in rivalry for 

 the same female. This interesting and sometimes 

 despised little sparrow is perhaps the best friend 

 man has among birds. He is indeed in the bird 

 world what the dog is in the animal world. One 

 who knows his wonderful habits must believe as 

 Cornwall, that we should not harm him : 



"Touch not the little sparrow, who doth build 

 His home so near us. He doth follow us 

 From spot to spot amidst the turbulent town 

 And ne'er deserts us." 



