it is to be noted, are only to be witnessed soon after sunrise. 

 Two blackcocks wiU approach one another and stand as if 

 prepared to ward off a very vigorous onslaught ; reminding 

 one of two barn-door cockerels. With lo\)vered head and 

 neck they face one another, the beautiful lyrate taU spread 

 fan-wise, and arched so that the curled, outer feathers touch 

 the ground, while the wings are trailed Uke those of the turkey- 

 cock. Then one will at last rush forward, and seizing his 

 adversary by the scruff of the neck, will administer a sound 

 beating with his wings. The victor celebrates his triumph 

 by a loud, and most unmusical screech, which has been 

 likened, by that accomplished observer and sportsman- 

 artist, Mr. J. G. Millais, to the caU of cats on the house-tops 

 at midnight. But presently a greyhen makes her appearance. 

 Hostilities cease at once, on all sides ; arid intense excitement 

 prevails amongst the whole assembly — for a large number of 

 cocks will gather together at these sparring matches. Her 

 approach has been observed by a single bird, who, unin- 

 tentionally, gives the signal by suddenly drawing himself up 

 to a rigid position of attention, tiU he is sure she is really 

 coming, then he throws himself into the air and flutters up 

 a few feet, uttering at the same time, a pecviliar hoarse note 

 of exultation. Immediately all the others foUow suit ; each 

 seeming to strive to outdo his neighbour in a series of absurd 

 pirouettings. Here we have a " Love-flight," of exceedingly 



54 



