COLOR AND SEX. 47 



male an attractive sight, influencing her choice of a 

 mate. 



There is thus a practical agreement in the views of 

 tliese naturalists on the origin of those sexual characters 

 which ma)' be classed as weapons, and this opinion is, I 

 believe, generally accepted. But the question of female 

 preference, and its influeuce on the development of 1 triglit 

 colors and accessory plumes, still lacks confirmation. 

 Here is an opportunit}' for every one who can watch wild 

 birds mating. 



