150 ANIMAL ARTISANS 



to note how in these creatures the loss of the fear 

 of man by contact and kindness induces courage. 

 Even the tame dove and domestic pigeon will fight 

 hard against the hand which tries to remove their eggs, 

 pecking vigorously, though when wild the correspond- 

 ing species take instant flight from the nest. Cases in 

 which domestic poultry have attacked persons whom 

 they considered to be intruders are often noted. But 

 it is less generally known that the game-fowl show 

 a marked degree of courage when in contact with 

 hostile species. The hens are as bold as the cocks ; 

 and it is stated that on some of the Scotch islands the 

 only poultry which are kept successfully are game- 

 fowl, as these alone will fight the grey crows, and so 

 protect their eggs and young. 



