in each territory there is a solitary male, while on the
neutral ground a number of individuals of both sexes are assembled, and
move about freely one amongst another. So that the scene presented to
view is somewhat as follows: a flat meadow, at one end of which, and at
fairly regular intervals, a few solitary individuals are dotted about,
each one keeping at a distance from its neighbours; while at the other
end a number of individuals are collected together in a comparatively
small space, apparently deriving some satisfaction from their close
association. That surely is a very remarkable contrast. But let us
continue our investigation, first fixing our attention upon the solitary
individuals; one is standing preening its feathers, another is squatting
upon the ground, a third runs a few yards in this direction then a few
yards in that, stimulated apparently by the sight of food, and so on.
Moreover, each one keeps strictly to a well-defined area and makes no
attempt to associate with its fellows. One of the males, however, whilst
roaming backwards and forwards approaches the limit of its territory,
and this brings the neighbouring bird, whose boundary is threatened,
rapidly to the spot. In an upright position both stand face to face, and
the battle then begins; with their wings they attempt to beat one
another about the body, with their beaks they aim blows at the head, and
in the melee wings and legs seem to be inextricably mixed; whilst at
intervals, driven backwards by the force of the collision, they are
compelled to separate, only, however, to return to the charge--and the
sound of beating wings and the feathers that float in the air are tokens
of earnestness. Such scenes are of frequent occurrence; but the
conflicts vary in intensity, and the circumstances under which they
occur vary too, and females come and go without leaving any clue as to
their ultimate intentions.

Turning now to the flock one is impressed with the friendship that seems
to exist between the various members. There are, it is true, occasional
displays of pugnacity which never seem to develop into anything very
serious; for instance, one bird will fly at another, and a momentary
scuffle is followed by a short pursuit but nothing more--nothing, that
is to say, in the least comparable with the battle previously described.
Of what is the flock composed? Of members of both sexes. There is no
difficulty in assuring oneself that this is so. But is i