68 TREATISE ON 



the old male in every respect, excepting in the 

 brilliancy of his plumage. This is the best crite- 

 rion to choose a male bird by that has moulted 

 once ; for, before that period, the young cock may 

 be known by a black line under its tongue, whicli 

 they lose after the first moidting. 



