BIRDS. 45 
distinct emotion. In this instance defiance, together with a certain amount of terror, 
enters into the composition of the excitement manifested. The assumption by the 
bird of this remarkable pose was first observed by the writer in connection with the 
chance opening of an umbrella in its presence. The necessary domestic parapluie 
would appear to exercise a very awe-inspiring influence upon fere nature generally. 
We have a dim boyhood’s recollection of a story in which a royal Bengal tiger was put 
to ignominious flight, when on the point of making its fatal spring, by a lady who had 
the presence of mind to suddenly unfurl her umbrella in the animal’s face. In the 
case of the Podargus it possibly mistook the offending article for some huge form of 
bat, somewhat resembling, though far surpassing in size, the Flying Foxes, Pteropi, 
which share with it its natural haunts, but whose too familiar approach it would 
undoubtedly resent. However this may be, though familiarity in the long run bred 
contempt, for a long while the production and sudden opening of an umbrella elicited. 
a like emotional manifestation, one of which occasions was turned to good account in 
securing the photograph reproduced. 
Some of the most remarkable of the many metamorphic phases exhibited by these 
two Podargi, in which the erection of the feathers was a conspicuous feature, was 
manifested in the presence of a rain shower. On such occasions, humouring the birds 
most plainly suggested desires, they were usually allowed to enjoy a shower bath. 
Then, whether clinging to the perch or to their owner’s wrist, they would pass through 
the most extraordinary evolutions. Every feather would stand on end, imparting to 
the birds the largest possible dimensions. The wings, separately or collectively, would 
be elevated or depressed, the bird meanwhile balancing its body first on one side and 
then on the other in order to expose all parts to the welcome rain, and even hanging 
head downwards to accomplish its purpose. Satisfactory photographs during falling 
rain, and of such excitedly restless subjects, in order to record some of the more 
bizarre attitudes assumed by these birds while enjoying their shower bath, proved 
somewhat difficult of achievement. A few of the most successful shots, out of 
many attempts, reproduced in Plate X., will communicate some idea, however, of 
their quaint appearance. In the last but one on the list of these figures, No. 9, head, 
wings, and tail appear to be mixed up in the most inextricable confusion. 
A jocose friend having suggested to the author the peculiar fitness with which 
these “Rain bath” photographs would lend themselves to a humorous interpretation, 
we have indulged his whim to the extent of supplementing the formal title by a 
second, with which, in harmony with textual renderings of the respective figures, the 
