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The Descent of Man

The Descent of Man

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females, it is obviously probable that these appreciate<br />

the beauty <strong>of</strong> their suitors. It is, however,<br />

difficult to obtain direct evidence <strong>of</strong> their<br />

capacity to appreciate beauty. When birds gaze<br />

at themselves in a looking-glass (<strong>of</strong> which many<br />

instances have been recorded) we cannot<br />

feel sure that it is not from jealousy <strong>of</strong> a supposed<br />

rival, though this is not the conclusion <strong>of</strong><br />

some observers. In other cases it is difficult to<br />

distinguish between mere curiosity and admiration.<br />

It is perhaps the former feeling which, as<br />

stated by Lord Lilford (15. <strong>The</strong> 'Ibis,' vol. ii.<br />

1860, p. 344.), attracts the ruff towards any<br />

bright object, so that, in the Ionian Islands, "it<br />

will dart down to a bright- coloured handkerchief,<br />

regardless <strong>of</strong> repeated shots." <strong>The</strong> common<br />

lark is drawn down from the sky, and is<br />

caught in large numbers, by a small mirror made<br />

to move and glitter in the sun. Is it admiration<br />

or curiosity which leads the magpie, raven,<br />

and some other birds to steal and secrete bright<br />

objects, such as silver articles or jewels?

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