272 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



part of the love-season, courts the hen with a most elaborate 

 display, whereas, later on, he makes hardly more ceremony with 

 her (nor she with him) than does the Domestic Cock in the barn- 

 yard — " Sic transit gloria amoris." A later stage still, is mascu- 

 line languidity, under the influence of which the female is apt 

 to become the wooer, as I have particularly noted with Gulls. 

 For the male Eed-necked Phalarope, however, though I have 

 seen all too little of his courting habits, yet this afternoon's 

 observations have given me an insight into his real character,. 

 and it seems to me that, in this demure, plain-looking little 

 husband, we have one of the " freckest " lads in all bird-land. 

 Who was it thought he was hen-pecked ? — or was that his poor 

 brother, the Grey Phalarope, who, however, may perhaps have 

 revelations of his own to make ? 



(To be continued.) 



