194 
NATURE NOTES. 
I am sorry that this theory should have to be relegated to the 
background, for it is a very pretty theory and appeals to our 
civilized human nature. But it is undoubtedly true that all 
the male birds, whether polygamous or not, fight when occasion 
arises, and the strongest wins. 
As one of the many instances which I have observed of this 
fighting between otherwise gentle and peaceable birds, I will 
give a short description from my note-book of a disgraceful 
scene I Avitnessed between tAvo males of our smallest British 
bird : — 
“April 15th, 1889. — I have just been Avatching two golden- 
crested A\Tens fighting. They first attracted my attention 
by getting up from the ground almost under my feet, and 
engaging again and falling to the ground. Then rising again 
one chased the other into a yeAV tree near, where I had a good 
close view of them as they challenged each other, ruffling their 
feathers, shaking their bodies, singing and dancing about Avith 
crests erected, the sun shining on the orange-coloured crests — 
such a pretty sight. After they had been talking big at each 
other for some minutes the hen arrived on the scene, and a 
desperate fight ensued, the tA\ r o cocks falling to the ground in 
fierce embrace, rolling ewer each other occasionally, but for the 
most part lying still on the ground with their claw r s buried in 
each other’s feathers for about a minute. 
“The hen Avas close by them on the ground, mewing about 
and looking very much concerned at the affray. Her pale yelloAV 
crest contrasted notably with the rich orange of the males. 
After getting up, reneAving the combat in a currant bush, falling 
again and struggling on the ground, they rose and had a chase 
round the yew trees, the hen folloAving to see the fun, and 
presently Avent off and were lost to AueAV.” 
Aubrey Edwards. 
THE BOOKS OF RICHARD JEFFERIES. 
The re-issue in cheaper form of Mr. Richard Jefferies’ works will introduce 
them to a fresh class of readers, and in this way will tend to the spread of 
the principles which animate the Selborne Society. 'NYe are glad, there- 
fore, to call attention to the most recent additions to the series — not with 
any intention of noticing them at the length to which they would be entitled 
if new, but to remind our readers of their existence and to suggest their 
suitability for Christmas-boxes. This is especially the case with Bevis : The 
Story of a Boy , of which Messrs. Sampson, Low & Co. have issued a hand- 
some illustrated edition in one volume. It is just the book for an intelligent 
country lad, or for boys who, although living in towns, have nevertheless strong 
country sympathies. The adventures of Bevis and his companion are not, in- 
deed, of the kind usually clear to the writer and reader of “boys’ books”; 
but they are not on that account less interesting— indeed, we think the possibility 
and vraisemblancc will in many cases render them additionally attractive. Readers 
of Mark Twain will be reminded from time to time of the adventures of Tom 
