SEXUAL SELECTION IN BIRDS. 63 



fighting than this there was not, nor, as I say, was there any 

 interruption, by any other bird, of the nuptial rite. 



About 4.15 the two Reeves, with all or most of the Ruffs — 

 some nine or ten perhaps — fly off, the Ruffs only returning, in a 

 very short time. At 4.25, however, one Reeve returns, and, 

 after standing for some time, quietly, always by the brown bird, 

 the rite is again either performed or attempted. That it is the 

 same Reeve who had first selected this bird I have little doubt, 

 and I think, too, that I recognize her. She has yellower legs, 

 and is a prettier bird than the other. Thus there have been 

 eight pairings in all, seven of which were in quick succession, if 

 we do not suppose that some, at any rate, were attempts merely. 

 This I am inclined to conclude from the time occupied having 

 been so extremely short, besides that the general appearance 

 seemed often that of an unsuccessful attempt. This is not, I 

 think, a matter of no moment, for the more difficulty there may 

 be in the performance of the sexual act the more necessary 

 becomes the co-operation of the female, and from a state of 

 things such as this one would expect developments to be along 

 the lines of the male's conciliating rather than hectoring over or 

 bullying her. Only had the male special organs of prehension, 

 or some other sure means of making his will valid, might we 

 expect otherwise. However, we should assume nothing, but get 

 evidence. 



The attitude of the Ruff just before the performance of the 

 rite was very striking. Bent almost in a semicircle, with head 

 and tail touching, or nearly touching, the ground, his wings 

 half outspread, and drooped, he seemed full of fire and conscious 

 importance. This attitude was continued during the rite itself, 

 and in its ample, proud cloak, so to speak, the little Reeve was 

 covered up and almost lost. 



4.50. — Four birds, after the usual stretching up and wing- 

 flapping, in view of fresh arrivals, rise and hang fluttering in 

 the air at different heights a little above the assembly-ground. 

 The arrival having been delayed, this took place again, but with 

 three birds only, one of the four having flown off. Then a Ruff 

 flew in, and afterwards a Reeve, who, however, stayed but a 

 minute or so. 



I write the above outside my plaid, and, turning m} T head 



