686 General Notes, [June, 
and though fond of raw steak, it does not seem to assimilate 
nearly as well. Of course meal-worms, spiders and flies are 
always their preference, and to these they will help them- 
selves freely, though this arises I think largely from their ex- 
hibiting life. Generally when hungry they stand with open 
mouths calling loudly for us to feed them. Besides beef, pork 
and veal as meats (mutton they dislike), their chief diet has been 
crackers and cookies, though the latest development is a love for 
corn and oatmeals when not ground too fine. For fruits in gen- 
eral they do not care particularly. They sing incessantly during 
‘ the late winter, spring and summer, but are more silent, though 
not wholly so, during the molting period. By their side hangsa 
pet robin which sings constantly also, but our closest observation 
has failed to recognize from these “ mockers” the first note closely 
imitating that of the robin, though they hear it so constantly, 
whilst other sounds, as peeping of chickens, mewing Ot a ¢ 
snarling of puppies, filing a saw, and various bird notes, which 
they neither of them have heard, as the cage always hangs in the 
dining-room, constitute their chief delight. This has led me to 
inquire whether they intentionally produce any of these special 
sounds, or whether itis simply ¢heir method of singing. I do not 
question but that in some instances they may be taught to follow 
strains of music, but do they ever adopt it themselves? For per 
sons our birds manifest strong preferences, but they do not seem 
and are rather 
strange lady, dressed in rather gay colors, undertook to touch on 
of them as he sat on my hand, when he was so alarmed D fot 
ble to fly, he dropped every tail feather, and stood tran 
a moment till she withdrew —MVary E. Holmes. a 
Mask1nG oF Crass,—It is a matter of common season 
certain species of sea-coast crabs are during the greater E of- 
their existence covered with a superficial growth of o 
ganisms, such as algæ, sponges, polyps and tunicates, Wil 
wise cover inert bodies, and which were consequently pei asa 
to find their way to the carapace of the animal in que ; 
result of pure accident. Dr. Graeffe, inspector of igr ae 
instead of chance governing the location of these vould S 
‘sites on the carapace of the crab, their presence nor who, 
to the intelligent action of the animal supporting ©) tthe feet, 
with of its 
such forms as most strictly partake in their ane such a5 
colors of the surrounding objects, and conta y ugh the 
will be least liable to attract attention. Singular 
species of crab thus disguising themselves arè 
ce 
enough, | 
ided on the 
