INSTINCT OF BIRDS. 27 



One of tlio most remarkable instincts of birds is 

 displayed in their keen sense of approaching danger, 

 and in the means which they adopt to avoid it. So 

 Bagacious arc the birds of some species, that they 

 will always keep at a safe distance from the gun of 

 the sportsman, although they may never have had 

 any experience of the danger of coming within range 

 of his shot. This is particularly the case with the 

 Crow; so cautious are they that when a flock is com- 

 mitting depredations upon the farmer's corn-stacks, 

 they keep a sentinal posted in some elevated position 

 to give notice of the approach of any suspicious look- 

 ing individual. Young Ducks, almost as soon as they 

 have left the shell, will seek the water, often to the 

 amazement of the hen who has adopted them ; here 

 they will swim about and catch gnats and flies; but 

 a wasp they will avoid, as its sting would be inju- 

 rious. Chickens will show no signs of fear at the 

 approach of a strange turkey or goose ; but if a hawk 

 hovers in the distance, they will become agitated and 

 seek shelter. Some birds, if the vicinity of their 

 nests is approached, will immediately fly to the ground 

 before the intruder, and dropping their wings as 

 though wounded, will limp about in great apparent 

 distress ; by this means they often deceive those who 

 are ignorant of their habits, and gradually lead them 

 away from the spot, when their assumed lameness 

 suddenly disappears, and they fly ofi' as nimbly as 

 ever. 



In order to facilitate the study of Ornithology, th* 



