[119] This is a mistake: the food given to the young is a sort of thick milky secretion from the stomach of the parent birds, both male and female.—Translator.
[120] In England they are not uncommon in the woods.—Translator.
[121] The close and mephitic air of these rooms, which are kept warmer whilst a person is ill, may well produce this apparent sympathy.—Translator.
[122] An erroneous opinion, which displays more egotism than humanity; yet do people generally act with more equity and disinterestedness?
[123] Here is another instance, in which man, seeking his own pleasure at the expense of the well being of other creatures, deceives himself respecting the motives. The poor prisoner does not sing to amuse himself, or from contentment; its repeated cries call unceasingly for the mate from which it is separated; and though they have been vain throughout the day, he renews them on the morrow, no doubt, like man, supported by hope,—a hope, alas! which is never realised!—Author.
[124] It is now uncommon in Britain.—Translator.
[125] A great many mallards are half domesticated on the water in St. James' Park, London, and other similar places in England.—Translator.