[68]

(over)

Argus Pheasant Feb 17th

Each ocellus corresponds to a chain of black spots, so oblique as to be almost parallel to the shaft. (In the larger feathers the spots are confluent & make the tiger like stripes). By looking to the posterior feathers - i.e nearest the body – & especially to the bases of these feathers, an absolutely perfect gradation can be traced from a simple dark spot, generally a little elongated transversely & narrowly bordered by fulvous tint, into to a perfect ocellus. Each ocellus is formed by the union & enlargement of two of the dark spots in the following manner. The basal spot in a row becomes considerably elongated & slightly arched & internally more [illeg] bordered by the fulvous tint the next succeeding spot is still more elongated, more arched but irregular & apparently in consequence of not so intense a black. By insensible degrees

[68v]

we naturally wish to see how these wonderful ornaments cd have been developed - & we can see how possible even how very probable -- Chain of spots - Each ocellus forms part of one chain - But why has selection acted & so perfected the ocelli?

It is an extremely pretty ornament in intermediate condition, & it is certain that the rufous colour is far brighter when in this state that when ocellus is developed. I suspect 2 more of spots are confluent.

I much wished to know how this unique & natural style of beauty could have been done; for it must according to my views have been by slight successive steps or variations each step ornamented; & I could not conceive that this was possible any more than a head by Raphael could be painted by strokes not intended to form part of the head; but the feathers on the same birds body solve the riddle; for the steps have been retained.

[69]

these two spots or bars become more arched & meet & this forms the external black ring of the ocellus. At the same time the shading on one side of the black bars increases; but the pale space originally separating the two spots does not increase in size & becomes rather whiter & this forms the white shade upon the ocellus. This absolutely perfect gradation in the feathers of the same wing probably gives us a fair insight into the steps by which the ocelli have been developed thro' a long line of projections. In longest feather 19 ocelli. All the primaries are ornamented in manner described; shaft blue. In female the primaries are reddish brown speckled with black & show no trace of the peculiar ornament of the male.

[69v]

Feb. 18. The first commencement is at base of most posterior feather - this consist of dark spot with rufous shading, rather larger than the other spots in the same row. Some appearances lead to suspicion that this larger spot is formed by confluence with corresponding spot on adjoining parallel row; & the same may hold good with the next spot, which when united form ocellus — Gould admits that I have not in least exaggerated gradation. It is not possible to say when the pattern deserves to be called an ocellus — In B. Mus. spec (with drooping feathers) there were 22 or 23 ocelli on one feather

(p 46 C) [illeg]