BLACKCAP 



but its progress very slow ; I therefore, after a short time, 

 lifted it on to the branches, when one of the parents came to 

 it, and by calling and perching close beside it, led it away 

 into the bushes. The alarm-note of the young which has 

 such an exciting influence upon the parents must in some 

 way differ from the ordinary call-note, for this latter note is 

 uttered frequently when they have been some time without 

 food and is quietly replied to by the parents, but what the 

 difference is I have been unable to detect. There is no doubt 

 that it is this note and not the proximity of a human being 

 to their offspring, that exercises such an influence upon the 

 parents. If you place a young one upon your hand and 

 remain perfectly motionless, you will find that the little 

 creature will be devoid of any fear. Its call-note will 

 gradually cease, its eyes will alternately close and open, its 

 feathers all over its body will be relaxed, and drawing its 

 head down between its shoulders, it will finally fall asleep. 

 The greater part of the life of the young at this age is spent 

 in sleep. The alarm-note of the parents has a remarkable 

 effect upon them. If you know where they are in hiding and 

 approach them suddenly, you will find that the parents will 

 utter this note ; an impulse immediately seizes the young, 

 compelling them to fly, but they know not whither nor why, 

 so often, to the despair of the parents, they fly straight at you. 

 The young continue with the female for some time after 

 they are really capable of taking care of themselves, though the 

 male does not often accompany them. He still sings, but the 

 song is poor ; his outbursts of excitement are less frequent and 

 less intense. Excitement amongst individuals of other species 

 will attract him, and he will frequently be an interested spectator 

 if a Garden- Warbler, disturbed while feeding its young, com- 

 mences to croak. Sometimes he pursues one of another 

 species, such as a Chiff-chaff, Nightingale, or Hedge- Sparrow, 

 and either plays or fights with him. Towards the end of July 

 the song decreases, and in August practically ceases. During 

 the latter month both sexes are quiet and subdued. 



27 



