PEACOCKS. 



443 



and before him rejoices to display all the riches of his wonderful 

 tail. Complete master in the art of pleasing, he knows how to 

 manage the transitions of light and shade so as to present him- 

 self to the greatest advantage ; and when he has been gazed at 



Fig. 178. Domestic Peacock (2'avo cristatus, Wood). 



sufficiently, by reiterated struts he marks his contentment. At the 

 end of August his beautiful plumage falls off, not to come forth 

 again till the spring. It is said that the Peacock is so ashamed of 

 having lost that which was his pride, that he then shuns the sight of 



