20 DECEMBER 1930, Page 16

Birds certainly show a strength of affection that may compare

with a man's or a dog's. Indeed, the bird is often superior to the mammal. A number of species—perhaps more than we know—mate for life ; and many ernmples arc on record—among raven, penguin and ducks—of the almost inconsolable nature of their grief if the mate is lost. We have to set against this the strange revulsion of feeling— shown emphatically by some gallinaceotts birds and lay robins --against their grown young ; but, this is probably a necessity among birds which bring up two or more broods in the year. That birds may become almost absurdly fond of people needs no arguing. Every aviculturist can give examples.

W. BEAM Tam/mg.