272 « THE ZOOLOGIST. 



part of the love-season, courts the hen with a most elaborate 

 display, whereas, later on, he makes hardly more ceremony with 

 her (nor she with him) than does the Domestic Cock in the barn- 

 yard — " Sic transit gloria amoris." A later stage still, is mascu- 

 line languidity, under the influence of which the female is apt 

 to become the wooer, as I have particularly noted with Gulls. 

 For the male Eed-necked Phalarope, however, though I have 

 seen all too little of his courting habits, yet this afternoon's 

 observations have given me an insight into his real character^ 

 and it seems to me that, in this demure, plain-looking little 

 husband, we have one of the " freckest " lads in all bird-land. 

 Who was it thought he was hen-pecked ? — or was that his poor 

 brother, the Grey Phalarope, who, however, may perhaps have 

 revelations of his own to make ? 



(To be continued.) 



