Knowledge of natural history, revfrom Reason why: natural history, giving reasons for hundreds of interesting facts in connection with zoology; and throwing light upon the peculiar habits and instincts of the various orders of the animal kingdom . ked to andfro in the nest, are madeaccustomed to the motionwhich they will afterwardsexperience when seekingtheir food on the tops oftall and flexible stems. 762. Why does theEuropean titmouse suspendits nest over a pond orstream ?In order to preserve it from the attacks of quadrupedsand reptiles. 763. What is especially remarkable in the plumage oft
Knowledge of natural history, revfrom Reason why: natural history, giving reasons for hundreds of interesting facts in connection with zoology; and throwing light upon the peculiar habits and instincts of the various orders of the animal kingdom . ked to andfro in the nest, are madeaccustomed to the motionwhich they will afterwardsexperience when seekingtheir food on the tops oftall and flexible stems. 762. Why does theEuropean titmouse suspendits nest over a pond orstream ?In order to preserve it from the attacks of quadrupedsand reptiles. 763. What is especially remarkable in the plumage ofthe canary bird? Its light sulphur color, which it has exchanged for thegray or brown hue of its native islands. 764. This little captive songster was introduced to Europe early iothe 16th century, and is believed to have spread from the coast of Italy,where a vessel, which was bringing to Leghorn a number of these birds,besides merchandise, was wrecked. The climate being favorable, theyincreased; but they did not become naturalized, being entrapped by breed-ers for the purpose of sale. 765. Why are birds of Paradise so called? In earlier ages these birds, which are peculiar in theirstructure and remarkable for the beauty and gloss of their. 248 KNOWLEDGE OF NATURAL HISTORY, Resplendent wanderer! followed with glad eyesWhereer her course; mysterious bird,To whom, by wandering fancy stirred,Eastern islanders have givenA holy name—the Bird of Heaven.—Wordsworth. plumage, were supposed to whisk about like bright meteorsin the equinoctial sun, without the usual attributes of wingsor feet; and were also believed to dwell in the air, andlive upon the nectar of those flowers which, in the climateswhere the birds are native, twine in garlands and festoonsat the topmost branches of the trees. 766. Why were the birds of Paradise said by the oldernaturalists to be without legs, and to remain always sus-pended in the air? These beautiful crea-tures frequenting only theneighborhood of th
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecade1910, booksubjectzoology, bookyear1916
