2 5 8 



The Bird 



where they by rights belong upon a bird. Among 

 birds we find a more remarkable development of crests 

 than in any other class of animals. Indeed nearly all 

 birds have the power of slightly raising the feathers on 

 the head. 



FIG. 200. Crest of Java Peacock. 



Most, if not all, plumes and crests are probably orna- 

 mental, and, since many are more highly developed in 

 the male sex and at breeding-time, we must conclude 

 that they are of value in attracting and holding the at- 

 tention of the females during the period of courtship. 



What a list of these crests we may compile in a walk 

 through a zoological park! The photographs show the 

 grace and delicacy of these feathers, to which words can 



