INSTINCT OF BIRDS. 
27 
One of the most remarkable instincts of birds is 
displayed in their keen sense of approaching danger, 
and in the means which they adopt to avoid it. So 
sagacious are the birds of some species, that they 
will always keep at a safe distance from the gun of 
the sportsman, although they may never have had 
any experience of the danger of coming within range 
of his shot. This is particularly the case with the 
Crow; so cautious are they that when a flock is com- 
mitting depredations upon the farmer’s corn-stacks, 
they keep a sentinal posted in some elevated position 
to give notice of the approach of any suspicious look- 
ing individual. Young Ducks, almost as soon as they 
have left the shell, will seek the water, often to the 
amazement of the hen who has adopted them ; here 
they will swim about and catch gnats and flies ; but 
a wasp they will avoid, as its sting would be inju- 
rious. Chickens will show no signs of fear at the 
approach of a strange turkey or goose ; but if a hawk 
hovers in the distance, they will become agitated and 
seek shelter. Some birds, if the vicinity of their 
nests is approached, will immediately fly to the ground 
before the intruder, and dropping their wings as 
though wounded, will limp about in great apparent 
distress ; by this means they often deceive those who 
are ignorant of their habits, and gradually lead them 
away from the spot, when their assumed lameness 
suddenly disappears, and they fly off as nimbly as 
ever. 
In order to facilitate the study of Ornithology, the 
