THE WAYS OF BIRDS. 137 



harm's way as quickly as possible. The bond of 

 sympathy existing between birds of many different 

 species is as admirable as it is true. The shrill 

 alarm cry of the Chaffinch when its nest is 

 threatened by an enemy attracts other birds to 

 the scene of disaster ; and I firmly believe these 

 visits are ones of condolence, and that sympathy 

 is expressed in a variety of twittering notes. I 

 have often seen four or five different species of 

 birds attracted by the alarm notes of the Song 

 Thrush, when I have been too near its nest ; and 

 the Stormcock will set an entire coppice into up- 

 roar and tumult by its grating cries. Hundreds 

 of similar instances might be recorded. Again, 

 birds repeatedly express sympathy for a wounded 

 or captive companion. I have seen Gulls and 

 Terns of at least four species hover above a 

 wounded Oystercatcher, and utter sounds expres- 

 sive of condolence sounds which I am certain 

 these birds never make under ordinary circum- 

 stances ; and I have had Rooks follow me high in 

 air for half a mile from the colony, when I have 

 been carrying one of their captive comrades. 

 Birds, though not much attached to their eggs, 

 have a strong affection for their young, and evi- 

 dently experience the greatest joy at seeing them 

 advance to maturity under their fostering care. 

 Old birds will twitter to their young in a strain 

 never heard at any other time, just as an admiring 

 mother does to her infant ; and if need be, most 

 birds will even sacrifice their life in defending or 



