CONCORD AND DISCORD IN BIRDS. 
353 
harassing one another, the Rooks however usually 
being victors. But that incongruous species can 
abide together without quarrels or disputes, even 
gathering the same food in conjunction, may be 
easily shewn. In a tree not twenty feet high, I have 
seen the nests of three incongruous birds, the 
Thrush, the Bullfinch, and the Creeper. The Reed 
Bunting, and the Cirl Bunting frequently congre¬ 
gate with the Yellow species in hard weather. 
Starlings frequently gather their food in harmony 
with Rooks. 
Birds of one species often resist danger in con¬ 
junction, as we see with Sparrows and Swallows 
on the approach of a Hawk or other bird of rapine, 
and these will on such occasions call together birds 
of various other species, to assist in the cause also. 
Extraordinary instances of attachment between 
individuals of one species, as also between animals 
of even dissimilar natures, and particularly in a 
domesticated state, when sefish considerations are 
less called forth, are on record. The contradiction 
of these benevolent actions, to the selfishness of 
such personal considerations as are commonly re¬ 
marked in the brute creation, is greatly augmented 
on reflecting that these demonstrations of pity and 
kindness, are even observed in those species 
ordinarily distinguished for contentious demeanour 
towards their own fellows. Happening to capture 
a Robin in my bedroom, I removed it by night in 
a cage to a distance of four miles, here I exposed 
it next day in its cage 'in a garden, when by its 
querulous note it soon attracted the notice of one 
of its species, which forthwith taking compassion 
on its situation was its constant companion for the 
several days I imprisoned it, and though I provided 
it a plenty of food, it preferred receiving its supplies 
from the bill of its affectionate associate and 
friend. 
