Note t — BOOK IV. (continued 2)

Mr. Ray alledges good Reasons to conclude, that although Birds have not an exact Power of numbering, yet, that they have of distinguishing many from few, and knowing when they come near to a certain Number; and that they have it in their Power to lay many or few Eggs. All which he manifesteth from Hens, and other domestick Fowls, laying many more Eggs when they are withdrawn, than when not. Which holds in wild as well as domestick Birds, as appears from Dr. Lister’s Experiment in withdrawing a Swallow’s Eggs, which by that Means laid nineteen Eggs successively before she gave over. V. Ray’s Wisdom of God, &c. p. 137.