COUNTRY LIFE
How much cleverer are wild birds than tame! Opposite the windows of a houseful of bird-observers hangs from an apple-bough a frequently replenished allowance of fat. It is suspended from a longish piece of string. The tits—in this case great tits—for whom it is intended have decided against the difficult manoeuvre of swinging at the end and eating while in motion. Instead, they perch on the bough, pull up the string, and stand on successive folds till the fat is well within reach. A similarly intelligent feat has been recorded of several species, though it is not, I think, common. Contrast this action with the behaviour of certain pullets which I provide not infrequently with cabbage leaves. They enjoy the greenery, but find eating not A little difficult, and the too mobile leaf may be dragged half across the run. Never yet have I seen either pullet or cockerel hold the food steady with its claw. This so simple device is beyond the bird's reach. Domesticity has doubtless added to the intelligence of some animals, especially dog and cat ; but it has probably damaged the brains of those cultivated for special purposes. Sheep, with the possible exception of Fell sheep, are in the same category as poultry, though the birds often have the extra handicap of being deprived of a mother's schooling.
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