To what extent the feline-bird is a nest-robber I have no evidence,but that feline mew of hers, and that flirting, flexible tail, suggestsomething not entirely bird-like.

Probably the dimest tragedy of the nest is enacted when a snakeplunders it. All birds and beasts, so far I have observed, behavein a peculiar manner toward a snake. They seem to feel something ofthe loathing toward it that the human species experiences. The bark ofa dog when he encounters a snake is different from that which he givesout on any other occasion; it is a mingled note of alarm, inquiry,and disgust.