FROM THE CRADLE TO THE GRAVE. 
87 
better nourishment takes place, and, consequently, a 
more active chemical interchange of material. That the 
feathers themselves actually do change colour, and 
that a bird can pass through the different stages of 
plumage, from youth to maturity, by the aid of this 
unexplained agency, is an undoubted fact: I have seen 
the Redfooted Falcon go through these changes, finally 
assuming the adult dress, without casting a single feather, 
except those actually worn out! 
In comparison with the moulting, the rubbing away 
of the feather and the heightened colouring of the 
plumage play a subordinate part; the former is and 
must ever remain the principal cause of the visible and 
yearly renewal of the youthful beauty of the bird. These 
happy beings do not appear to be subject to the changes 
of old age. Instead of dying a lingering death, like other 
creatures, each new change of plumage gives it fresh 
life and beauty. Moulting is a sickly condition only so 
far as concerns appearances; in truth, it is only a start 
on a new life, and in its absence the bird sickens and 
dies. It is for this reason that the lover of caged birds 
plucks out a feather or two from the tail or pinions, should 
moulting not commence at the proper season, and thus 
seeks to infuse new vitality into his little favourite. Thus 
we cannot but regard moulting, in every way, as a total 
regeneration. This is the origin of the wondrous tale 
of the Phoenix arising with renewed youth from its own 
ashes; every bird somewhat resembles the fairy form in 
the legend, for the life of each and all is worthy of the 
poetry in which the story is enveloped, a poetry which 
influences our minds when engaged in studying and 
enquiring into the mysteries of bird-life. How delightful 
to embrace fresh youth and beauty with each ensuing 
