the water, their thirst overpowered their fear, and they would dash down, and eagerly take their fill, although an enormous black Snake was lying coiled upon a piece of wood near the edge of the pool. The Spotted Bower-birds were by far the shyest of the whole.

In many of its actions, and in the greater part of its economy, much similarity exists between this species and the Satin Bower-bird; particularly in the curious habit of constructing an artificial bower or play-ground. The situations of these runs or bowers are much varied. They were found both on the plains studded with the acacia pendula and other small trees, and in the brushes clothing the lower hills. They are considerably longer and more avenue-like than those of the Satin Bower-bird. They are outwardly built of twigs, and beautifully lined with tall grasses, so disposed that their heads nearly meet. The decorations are very profuse, and consist of bivalve shells, crania of small mammalia, and other bones. Evident and beautiful indications of design are manifest throughout the whole of the bower and its decorations formed by this species; particularly in the manner in which the stones are placed within the bower, apparently to keep the grasses, with which it is lined, firmly fixed in their places. These stones diverge from the mouth of the run on each side, so as to form little paths, while the immense collection of decorative materials is placed in a heap before the entrance of the avenue; this

arrangement being the same at both ends. In some

instances small bowers, composed almost entirely of grasses, apparently the commencement of a new place of rendezvous, were observable. These structures were at a considerable distance from rivers, from the borders of which the birds could alone have procured the shells and small round pebbly stones. Their collection and transportation must, therefore, have been a task of great labour and difficulty. As these birds feed almost entirely upon seeds and fruit, the shells and bones cannot have been collected for any other purpose than ornament; besides, it is only those that have been bleached perfectly white by the sun, or

such as have been roasted by the natives, and by this means whitened, that attract their attention. Mr. Gould clearly ascertained that these runs formed the rendezvous of many individuals.

Such is the account he has given of the habits of these extraordinary birds, which cannot fail of interesting the Naturalist. I must again offer my thanks for the permission so kindly given me by Mr. Gould, to make use of his splendid work, and to extract what portion I pleased of it.

The language, or the peculiar sounds made by beasts, birds, and even insects, expressive of their wants, fears, anger, or desires, are very distinct from each other, and are very interesting to those who have paid attention to them. A common Cock and the Pheasant have notes of exultation or defiance, others of fear or warning, and a third of complacency or gallantry, when the hens are called to partake of food. The Swallow utters its note of love in the pairing season screams at seeing an enemy, and greets its young with a tone of affection extremely pleasing. The Goose hisses when angry, cackles when happy, and has a note of alarm. The Duck also expresses its different feelings by sounds. These may all be called domestic birds. Others, which conceal their nests carefully, feed their young not only silently, but with considerable stealth, fearful lest their retreat should be discovered and invaded. When, however, the

young have left the nest and can fly from danger, the food is brought to them, and received, with notes of pleasure and gratification. I have often watched young Fly-catchers, soon after they have quitted their nest, perched on the top of a gate, or on the dead branch of a tree, attended by the parent birds, who merrily dart after flies and small moths, and feed their brood with them. These receive it with all the little blandishments of love, quivering their wings, and exhibiting evident marks of satisfaction. The old birds utter an "inward wailing note," as Mr. White calls it, when their young are in danger.

The Black-bird screams when alarmed, sings when pleased, and has a peculiar note when suddenly surprized. A gentleman at Grantham has a Blackbird which frequents his orchard, and which crows and chuckles as fowls do. It was bred in a nest in a bush close to his hen-house. Starlings, which are restless, sociable birds, have notes which resemble those of song birds, but they are difficult to hear. They are low and plaintive. At other times they utter a note like a sudden snap, and when they congregate in the evening they chatter with satisfaction, or sometimes use an elongated note, especially in the breeding season. I have been assured that so thickly do these birds assemble at their roosting places in some localities, that more than a thousand have been killed by firing shots into the bushes, or low trees, on one night only.

But the most extraordinary bird I ever met with

was my favourite Magpie. He expressed his anger, wants, pleasure, and gratitude in the most marked and distinct manner. When he saw one or two favourites, he would make a noise resembling a kiss, and shew his delight in a way not to be misunderstood. When angry he was vociferous, and scolded at the sight of any one he disliked. His laugh was so hearty, joyous, and natural, that no one who heard it could help joining in it, and he talked as distinctly as any human being. Poor bird! like most favourites, he came to an untimely end, and we missed him as we should have done one of the inmates of the family.

The call of the Partridge when separated from its associates is very peculiar; but when the retreat of its young is invaded, its cries are piercing or rather a sort of scream.

But the language of the Dog is, perhaps, the most expressive of any animal, and to this he adds the language of the eyes. Much of this is acquired, no doubt, by associating with man, from whom he learns to obey signals, and certain words of command. He modulates his tones according to circumstances, whether of anger, pleasure, grief, or warning, howls on hearing discordant sounds, whines for admission when shut out of a room or house, and looks with the fondest love and affection at his master. He shews his gratitude in a way not to be mistaken, and nothing can shake his fidelity and attachment. A kennel might have been seen at Brussels, placed in a particular situation, for a Dog which