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CHAPTER X. 



THE POULTRY-YARD. 



It is possible that certain of our domestic birds, 

 unlike their mammalian fellow - servants, first 

 came under the influence of man of their own 

 freewill. Many wild birds deliberately choose 

 the neigfhbourhood of human dwellings when 

 they are breeding, for the sake of protection 

 against the raids of egg-stealing enemies. Thus 

 we find that wood-pigeons — generally throughout 

 the rest of the year exceedingly shy and sus- 

 picious birds — will make their nests in suburban 

 parks and other places where people are con- 

 stantly going and coming. The missel -thrush 

 seems especially fond of trees situated close to 

 houses when it is choosing a nursery, and doubt- 

 less the same preference also explains why in 

 country gardens one usually finds so many more 



