278 
POPULAK SCIENCE EE VIEW. 
in the instances quoted it is well known that both birds in their 
original state were the reverse of pusillanimous. Fear is de- 
picted even in the nestlings of many much persecuted birds ; 
but man also, when down-trodden for many generations, displays 
an inherited dread of the conqueror, as is well observed in the 
natives of the valley of Cashmere and other oriental races who 
have been long subjected to tyrannical governments. Fear of 
man has also changed the habits of many birds and beasts. Thus 
the geese on the Nile feed at night, and repair to the islands 
and sandbanks in the day, when they can easily observe the ap- 
proach of the numerous fowlers who wage a constant warfare 
during the cold months ; and the beaver now builds its lodge 
after dusk, whereas we read, in the accounts of the early settlers 
in North America, of the work having been executed during the 
day. But indeed we have only to observe the ploughman’s 
companions in the furro wed-field, and the dread established by 
the presence of the gamekeeper, to become assured of the part 
played by man in developing fear in the lower animals. 
As regards their natural enemies. The stoop and motions 
of the hawk are readily recognised, but the bird itself causes 
little or no pertrubation when brought close to any of the 
species on which it preys ; whilst cats, weasels, and the like, 
incite marked dread. This may be explained by the circum- 
stance that the former is only known to them on wing, whereas 
the feline animal is often seen prowling in search of them. The 
well known danger-signals produced by many birds when the 
hawk hovers near their haunts, and the subdued note that 
breaks the dead silence in the hedgerow the moment following 
the stoop of the sparrow-hawk, are familiar instances of fear and 
dread which the long-reclaimed poultry have not forgotten, 
although from inexperience they sometimes mistake the swoop 
of the harmless pigeon for that of a rapacious bird. 
Violent dread, in fact terror, is displayed in many birds. 
This is evinced by the widely dilated eyelids, wild excited 
aspect, and loud, helpless screams of wounded eagles, parrots, 
and the like. Anger and sorrow are evinced by plaintive 
cries, and redoubled efforts to drive away the plunderer of 
the nest ; indeed, instances of prolonged grief for the loss of a 
mate are recorded by several naturalists. Hatred is displayed 
by certain species towards their foes : for example, in the flocks 
of swallows chasing and tormenting hawks. 
The perceptive faculty is seemingly demonstrated by the 
following : — A Grerman piping bullfinch, taken from a cage con- 
taining other birds, showed no particular predilection for any 
of the numerous inmates of a family circle, until after being 
caressed and spoken to by a lady for a few weeks, when it 
