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The Descent of Man

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When a pair <strong>of</strong> cockatoos made a nest in an<br />

acacia tree, "it was ridiculous to see the extravagant<br />

interest taken in the matter by the others<br />

<strong>of</strong> the same species." <strong>The</strong>se parrots, also,<br />

evinced unbounded curiosity, and clearly had<br />

"the idea <strong>of</strong> property and possession." (12. 'Acclimatization<br />

<strong>of</strong> Parrots,' by C. Buxton, M.P.,<br />

'Annals and Mag. <strong>of</strong> Nat. Hist.' Nov. 1868, p.<br />

381.) <strong>The</strong>y have good memories, for in the Zoological<br />

Gardens they have plainly recognised<br />

their former masters after an interval <strong>of</strong> some<br />

months.<br />

Birds possess acute powers <strong>of</strong> observation. Every<br />

mated bird, <strong>of</strong> course, recognises its fellow.<br />

Audubon states that a certain number <strong>of</strong> mocking-<br />

thrushes (Mimus polyglottus) remain all<br />

the year round in Louisiana, whilst others migrate<br />

to the Eastern States; these latter, on their<br />

return, are instantly recognised, and always<br />

attacked, by their southern brethren. Birds under<br />

confinement distinguish different persons,

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