CHAP, v.] EDUCATION OF THE YOUNG. 181 



Miss Dowden adds (and T can confirm her observa- 

 tions), " I have often watched with interest what may 

 be called the education of the young birds. When they 

 are about a month old, the female considers it high time 

 for them to learn to support themselves. She therefore 

 refuses to feed them more than twice a day. But the 

 youngsters, not liking the trouble of picking up the hard 

 grains of wheat, &c., become clamorous, and chase 

 whichever parent happens to come in their way, stoutly 

 demanding food all the while. The mother acts up 

 firmly to her principles ; so, finding her unyielding, 

 they then attack their unfortunate father. He cannot 

 resist their cries and flapping of wings, and good- 

 naturedly opens his mouth for the reception of the soft 

 spoon-shaped bills. But he is made to suffer for his 

 weakness; the lady soon drives away the petitioners, 

 and then beats her lord right well, laughing heartily all 

 the while, for attempting to interfere with her system 

 of instruction." 



This discipline is often so severe, and commenced so 

 early, that the young ones must be removed and brought 

 up by mouth, if it is intended to rear them at all. The 

 Collared Turtle will also exercise its combativeness on 

 any strange bird of moderate size that ventures to in- 

 trude within its aviary. 



" It is amusing," Miss Dowden continues, "to see the 

 little things trying to coo, going through all the move- 

 ments, but only uttering a whistling sound. The laugh 

 is easily accomplished, for at a very early period of their 

 lives the birds are able to make this exulting sound. I 

 am not sure that Papa noticed to you the great watch- 

 fulness of the Dove. Each time during the night that 

 the clock strikes, my birds announce the fact by cooing 



