CHARACTER. 
113 
but its every ray being always kept in perfect order. 
Cleanliness and order are innate portions of a bird’s 
nature. Young birds of prey always void their excre¬ 
ment clear of the nest, from the very first day they 
are hatched; and other birds try at least to do the 
same, by turning themselves towards the edge of the 
nest. It is true that the contrary takes place with the 
young of birds breeding in holes of trees or rocks; but 
they are not to blame, as it is simply impossible for them 
to keep themselves clean; the helpless young are unable 
to throw their excreta out of the hole, and the parent- 
birds are not capable, as some other species are, to do it 
for them, owing to the conformation of their beaks. 
The sense of order is a marked virtue among birds, and 
shows itself most prominently in their division of time. 
During the breeding-season the male and female relieve 
one another at fixed periods; and similar regularity is 
shown in singing, sleeping, and working. 
