THE SATIN BOWER-BIRD.

The structure of these bowers is as follows. An extensive and rather convex floor or base is laid, com

posed of sticks firmly interwoven together; and about the centre the bower is built, in the form of two parallel walls, at a little distance apart These consist of

THE SATIN BOWER-BIRD.

slender, flexible twigs and stems, so arranged as to curve inwards, and nearly meet at the top, forming an avenue arched over head. The twigs are so placed that the forks and projections are always outwards, the interior being free from any obstruction to the passage of the birds through the avenue. The bower is decorated at and near the entrance with the most gailycoloured articles that can be collected, such as the feathers of parrots. Some of these are stuck in among the twigs; while others, with bleached bones and shells, are strewed about near the entrance.

What is the precise object of this bower it is not easy to determine. There are numerous points in the habits and economy of animals, the design of which we cannot penetrate. As, however, God delights in his works, and provides for the happiness of his creatures according to their capability of enjoyment, it may be that these bowers are instinctively arranged, with no farther object than to afford pleasure. Certainly they are not used as nests, but as places of resort for many individuals of both sexes, which, when there assembled, run through and round the bower in a sportive and playful manner; and that so constantly, that it is seldom entirely deserted-at least, during the spring and summer.

THE SPOTTED BOWER-BIRD.

The spotted bower-bird constructs an arched avenue of twigs, often exceeding three feet in the length of the

run; grasses tall and smooth are used for it as a lining, and the ornaments consist of pebbles, bleached shells, and bones whitened by exposure to the sun and air.

CHAPTER II.

ILLUSTRATION OF INSTINCT CONTINUED-SENSE OF DANGERPURSUIT OF FOOD-INCUBATION-MIGRATION-POWER OF IMITATION-WHAT IS INSTINCT?-THE HUMAN SOUL.

AMONG the displays of instinct on which we are now dwelling, may be noticed that sense of coming peril which has been afforded by a wise and beneficent Providence. Had birds escaped some particular danger, they would naturally avoid it, as some do the gun of the sportsman; but they are found actually to shun it, in cases where they have had no intimation of its approach. As soon, for instance, as a young duck has escaped from the shell, it will swim in a pond, and catch gnats and flies; but it will avoid a wasp, the sting of which would prove injurious, if not fatal. Young chickens, too, will show no fear at the sight of a goose or a turkey; but if a hawk hovers at a distance in the air, they will promptly seek the defence of their mother's wing. Rooks, while providing for their offspring, generally cater apart; but after the breeding season, like some

SENSE OF DANGER.

other birds, they have sentinels while feeding in parties. So vigilant are these sentinels, that there is some difficulty in getting within shot of a foraging party; and hence it has been supposed that rooks smell gunpowder. A walking-stick, if levelled at them, will, however, produce equal alarm. Another curious fact may be mentioned, in reference to a bird which visits us in summer, and is known by its cry of "Crake, crake." The corncrake, as it is called, has the power, in common with some other creatures, of feigning death. A dog having brought one to a gentleman, which was dead to all appearance, he turned it over with his foot as it lay on the ground. He was convinced it was so, but standing by in silence for some time, he suddenly saw the corncrake open an eye; he then took it up, but its head fell, its legs hung loose, it appeared, as before, totally dead. He then put it into his pocket, but there he soon felt it to be alive and struggling to escape; he took it out, and it appeared lifeless as before. He soon laid it on the ground, and stood at some distance; in a few minutes it carefully raised its head, looked round, and started off at full speed.

A series of interesting facts might be selected, showing the expedients adopted by instinct in procuring food; we can, however, only mention one or two.

Mr.