CHAP. 73. (52.)—THE GENERATION OF BIRDS: OTHER OVIPAROUS
ANIMALS.
The generation of birds would appear to be very simple,
while at the same time it has its own peculiar marvels. Indeed, there are quadrupeds as well that produce eggs, the
chameleon, for instance, the lizard, and those of the serpent
tribe of which we have previously spoken. [Note] Of the feathered
race, those which have hooked talons are comparatively unprolific; the cenchris [Note] being the only one among them that lays
more than four eggs. Nature has so ordained it in the birds,
that the timid ones should be more prolific than those which
are courageous. The ostrich, the common fowl, and the partridge, are the only birds that lay eggs in considerable numbers. Birds have two modes of coupling, the female crouching
on the ground, as in the barn-door fowl, or else standing, as is
the case with the crane.
