147

Hence, also structure not really fitted for water, only habits & instincts - The young of the Kingfisher (p. 169) has the colour on its back bright blue. - thus young of many of the pies assume the metallic tints, such as Magpie, Jay, & perhaps all the rollers - He says wherever metallic brilliancy is present in young birds, one may be sure cock & hen will be alike - I presume converse is not true for he says Hen & cock Starling alike, yet young ones brown.

Is it male that assumes change, & is the offspring brought back to early type by mother? - do these differences indicate, species changing forms; if so domestic animals ought to show them. - anyhow not connected with habits

148

According as child is like parent, so is species old: Hence young Kingfisher & pies, have long had their present plumage. How is it in Pidgeons & fowls.???

Waterton p. 197 put 12 wild ducks eggs under common duck, the young crossed among themselves & I presume with common duck so often that it was impossible to say what was origin of any identical bird., for they were all colours "half wild, half tame, they came to the window to be fed, but still they had a wariness about them quite remarkable", instance of old species transmitting so much longer its mental peculiarities.