Humans do a version of this too, except that instead of moving our heads, we use rapid, jerky movements of our eyeballs to help fix our vision as we move through space. Backyard Birds Its also about flapping at the right time. Theyre certainly noisy,and they defecate on people and property with abandon (and in great volumea pigeon produces a hefty25 pounds of excrement per year), but you can say the same about lots of animals. And the more pigeons there are the more fighting is likely to occur. National Audubon Society The entire wingspan has to be at the right angle of attack, which means the wings have to twist (and do so automatically) with each downward stroke to keep aligned with the direction of travel.. A bird's wing produces lift and thrust during the downstroke. The female then stays in the nesting location, building the nest from the materials that the male pigeon brings to her, usually one at a time. The researchers in the landmark treadmill experiment discovered that if a pigeon's visual surroundings stayed relatively stationary around the bird as it strutted on the treadmill, the animal's head didn't bob. Here are three examples: Images via Birdshare: Red-breasted Nuthatch by JanetandPhil, Carolina Wren by Mike P, Cedar Waxwings by Roger P. Kirchen. This could be, Dr Murray and his colleagues postulated, because the fourth feather might modify the airflow over the third. Actually theyre tracking the good air throughout their flap cycle. This cloaca is not only linked to the reproductive tract of the bird but also to the excretory system through which the bird excretes. This tactic is useful because it "enables them to see potential food and possibly, enemies," Land said. This anxious behavior may be a signal that the bird is about to lay eggs. Its the least you can do. Watch for birds that deliberately lean or look away from a newly arrived bird, often while crouching or folding their wings in. Its hard even to explain.. Male pigeons only breed with female pigeons, that too, primarily to expand their breed. Are they really wagging their heads up and down? Markedas an epidemiological threatdespiteactually beingpoor vectors of disease,pigeons have also become ahealth menace in peoples minds. Those with the fourth feather from the front snipped . Pigeons may be the best-known birds for this trait, but they aren't the only ones that seem to be grooving along to an internal beat. The common nesting sites for pigeons are building ledges, rafters, under bridges, flat rooftops, or inside barns. Heres how it works. Heres why each season begins twice. "That's a very nice presentation of the fact that this wing whistle acts as a signal to other birds that there may be a bird of prey about, or danger in any general sense.". --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------, Written by Bob Sundstrom [Note: The videos in this post have been slowed down to one-half or one-quarter speedthings will happen a lot faster at your home feeders.]. This all makes sense, but it represents decades of largely theoretical work. If the female agrees, both will engage in a pigeon kiss. That doesnt mean theres no nature, but ideally, the city is the place where we invite nature in in ways that we control, Jerolmack says. Photo: Nick Harris/Flickr (CC BY-ND 2.0). For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. In an extreme form, this is the flicking motion you see in someone's eyes as they watch the scene unfolding outside the window of a fast-moving train. Look a little closer . During the first few days, the male pigeon trains the young, teaching them survival skills. Type in your search and hit Enter on desktop or hit Go on mobile device. Fortunately, since pigeons are pretty mild-mannered, you probably wont be dealing with fighting among them too often. With a background in SEO Dan noticed a few years ago that there were very few websites around dedicated to his favorite bird so he set out to change that by starting Pigeonpedia. Executive Producer: Sallie Bodie Pigeons flap their wings to enjoy a smooth flight in the air and to seek the attention of other birds and humans. They can mate and produce new breeds at any time of the year. This is a feed that is regurgitated as a thick liquid from the parent pigeons. Abundant food supply is also a requisite as the pigeons need it for a salubrious embryonic development. A fully grown adult pigeon has almost 10,000 feathers on its entire body! And that could lead to people at least having a little bit more tolerance for them.. As they switch places in the flock, they sometimes find themselves directly behind the bird in front, and caught in its downwash.If that happens, they change their flapping so that theyre doing the opposite of what the bird in front does. The real world, though, doesn't run like software. How a zoo break-in changed the life of an owl called Flaco, Naked mole rats are fertile until they die, study finds. The clutch can be one or even three eggs sometimes. The birds that are already there will try to claim their space and keep the newcomer from taking over. Whats more, our imaginative geography of urban areas is shifting. Rather than tracing the same path with its wingtips, it flies almost perfectly out of phase. If you're contemplating whether you could consume pigeon meat as a source of protein, the answer is yes! Eyes Flashing/Dilating Pupils Flashing, dilating pupils can be a sign of aggression, excitement, nervousness, or pleasure. This is most common when a new bird is introduced. Fighting over territory is likely something youll see more among feral pigeons than pet pigeons, but you might still notice that your pigeons squabble over who gets to be where from time to time. It would take several days to become accustomed to its nest and then release eggs. When a dominant nuthatch occupies a feeder and forces the others to wait until hes done eating, its more than just birdy bullyingit can be life and death. Why wetlands are so critical for life on Earth, Rest in compost? Rats with wings soon went mainstream. Among some of their favorite sites also include window air conditioners, gutters, and abandoned construction sites. Continue to read below to know when do pigeons show their feelings. Regardless of the weather and coloration of the eggs, proper incubation is essential for the survival and healthy growth of the hatchlings. When Rock Pigeons erupt into flight, some of them may slap their wings together above their bodies. In this example, a femaleNorthern Cardinal lets a couple of White-throated Sparrows know when theyve gotten a little too close to her sunflower seeds. The male approaches the intended mate by circling her, arrogantly marching around the female, displaying his masculine characteristics. Watch for birds that deliberately lean or look away from a newly arrived bird, often while crouching or folding their wings in. Get all the latest science stories from across the ABC. JavaScript is disabled. Keep reading to explore more about the endearing, strong bond of pigeons. The ibis went extinct in Central Europe in the 17th century, and Fritz is trying to reintroduce it into its old range. http://www.xeno-canto.org Some species seem to have different temperaments and regularly behave in either aggressive or submissive manners. Pigeons open their wings in the rain for natural bathing, stretching, and to give warmth to their body. Usually, first, the hen pigeon approaches his mating partner. Mourning Doves are the most frequently hunted species in North America. This can result in some pecking and fighting as each of the birds exerts dominance and claims its space. Fortunately, there is a plentiful supply of food for the pigeons dwelling in the urban and suburban areas, which makes breeding possible all year round. Primarily feeding on grains and seeds, as well as insects and foliage, pigeons wouldnt reject any food scraps and leftovers available in the garbage cans. It was always assumed that V-formation flight was learned from the adult birds, says Portugal. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. This is BirdNote. Producer: John Kessler In other words, a stationary head gives the bird a moment to visually process its surroundings while it waits for its moving body to catch up; it's like hitting pause on the motion for a fraction . "In the 'thrust' phase, the head is pushed forward, relative to the body by about 5 centimeters [2 inches]," explained Michael Land, a biologist at Sussex University in the United Kingdom who has studied eye movements in animals and humans. Dominant birds arent the only ones that signal their intent through behavior. We cut out little squares in the concrete, and thats where the trees belong. One reason is territory defense. Most people would say that they do it to save energy, which would be right. The thing is they don't express themselves the same way we do, or even the same way other pets communicate. However, this does not mean that they would never engage in courtship with other males. The easiest answer is that theyre just watching the bird in front and beating their wings accordingly. Once the mating occurs, it doesnt take much time for the female pigeon to lay the eggs. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. helping to dry off wet feathers after a swim, rapidly raising their body temperature in cold weather, or as part of a routine feather-care regime, where exposure to sunlight helps kill parasites. Snowy Owls Aren't Starving: Two Canadian Farmers Help Bust a Pervasive Myth, About Suet, Mealworms, and Other Bird Foods, Dont have a feeder? Marking their presence almost everywhere you go, the social species flock right in your yard and are a common sight in parks, roadsides, city centers, temple tops, and even rooftops. Appeasement. He also raised an interesting, and comical, idea. This probably wont lead to a major rebranding of the pigeon as an urban darling. This makes for an enormous nest for the pigeons to raise their squabs! If the pigeon feels like another bird is trying to take his first place spot, there may be some fighting as a result. Why do pigeons hit each other with their wings? Short-eared Owls have evolved wing-clapping, too. His team have reared several youngsters and teach them to fly along their old migration routes by leading the way in a microlight aircraft. Usually, the bird lays 2 eggs for every mating cycle it goes through. Coop & Run - Design, Construction, & Maintenance, Coop De Chickenville~My Favorite Chickens and Life, Current Social Media Chicken Feed Craze - posted testing results. My name is David and I'm the the founder of Bird Watching USA! You might often spot them in groups of a multitude of birds called flocks. Its distinctive triangular throat patch Pigeonpedia is your hub for any and every pigeon-related question. "The term 'bird brain' should be used as a compliment, not otherwise," she said. The devices had one problem: they dont emit any information. Birds will often fight to protect their territory from other birds. The couple then selects a place to build their nest. This serves as a safe haven for the birds where the pigeons would dwell with their squabs till they mature into adult pigeons. This is quite a common behavior among the birds. They might be using their wing feathers to sense the air flow around them. They stick around with their partner, which they choose for life. Birds tweet, squawk, chirp, hoot, cluck, and screech to communicate with each other. Sometimes when I'm outdoors feeding the pigeons, I observe that once in a while, two pigeons will puff and coo at each other and then start to fight by chasing, flapping their wings at each other, pecking and pulling each other's feathers. Feeding them food every day and caring for them is a way to acquire the affection of pigeons. "So, given the commonalities between modern birds and dinosaurs, I wonder if dinosaurs did head-bobbing, too?" And if there's a predator or is in hurry, pigeons will make fast whistle sound as alarming and . "But only when this particular whistle in the wings was produced. Johannes Fritz had a solution. However, feral pigeons will often get into arguments over food, especially if its scarce and the birds are hungry. A heron lurches its head forward to pinpoint its prey, then brings its body in line with the impressively stationary head; this is the slow-motion version of what a pigeon is doing, Blaisdell said. If the pigeons fail to produce any eggs after subsequent attempts at mating, there is a probability that one of them might be infertile and hence might not be able to produce offspring. Animals and birds, much like people, dont always get along with each other pigeons are no exception. Blaisdell also shared an endearing anecdote: During research in his own lab, when he picked up a pigeon and walked forward with it, the bird still bobbed its head, because the world was still moving around the pigeon even though the animal wasn't moving of its own accord. This is common among both pet pigeons and those living in the wild but doesnt tend to last too long or get too violent. Posted in: Why Do Crows Crow? But it does leave us with the image of a T. rex, teeth bared, its head bopping wildly as it runs frantically about. Birds may open their wings wide for many different reasons. If one pigeon leaves the nest searching for food, upon returning, it is blissfully welcomed by the other pigeons as they greet each other with raspy coos. However, the eggs arent released together. Pigeons do have feelings, and they know how to display their emotions rightly. Bats and agaves make tequila possibleand theyre both at risk, The new year once started in Marchhere's why, Jimmy Carter on the greatest challenges of the 21st century, This ancient Greek warship ruled the Mediterranean, 3 ways Jimmy Carter changed the world for the better, The meaning of the cross of ashes on Ash Wednesday, This disease often goes under-diagnosedunless youre white, The groundbreaking promise of cellular housekeeping. Sick or Injured Pigeon and Dove Discussions. Sometimes, it could be pale blue or light brownish and could even have tiny spots, depending on the environmental factors. The Metallic pigeon (Columba vitiensis) also known as the white-throated pigeon is a medium-sized species with a wide-ranged distribution in Malesia. Ideas on how to introduce feral pigeons to a new roosting spot/shed? Dont feed them as that just encourages large groups of pigeons to continue coming back to the same place. JavaScript is disabled. After this, they are considered old and healthy enough to be able to mate and reproduce. When taking off, their wings make a sharp whistling or whinnying. When does spring start? As always, when trying to determine why people act as they do, the old adage is as true now as ever; follow the money. We protect birds and the places they need. Like all newly born babies, squabs have peculiar nutritional requirements. If you keep pet pigeons, or even if you just like watching them in the wild, youve probably noticed that they squabble from time to time. BirdNote episodes air daily on public radio stations nationwide. The purpose behind this comical scene was to try and answer an age-old question: Why do pigeons bob their heads? At this point, the weight of the young squab is almost that of an adult pigeon. It was Charles Darwin who originally suggested that birds use their wings not only to fly but to communicate . Tobacco stems are preferred since they repel insects from finding their way into the nests. And the reason why pigeons practice this behavior, it turns out, is all about the way that these birds see the world. More than most other urban animals, they prefer concrete and sidewalks and ledges over grass and shrubs, Jerolmack says. Subordinate birds make appeasement displays that are the opposite of threat displays. Its almost self-taught., Reference: Portugal, Hubel, Fritz, Heese, Trobe, Voelk, Hailes, Wilson & Usherwood. Recorded by [ambient sound Macauley 137503]. He'll posture and coo alongside a female . The completed nest is a cluster of dried-out materials shaped like a saucer, almost 10-11 inches in size, but is not as sturdy and tough as the nests of other birds. In other words, a stationary head gives the bird a moment to visually process its surroundings while it waits for its moving body to catch up; it's like hitting pause on the motion for a fraction of a second. The female pigeon releases the first egg, and then after around 44 hours, it releases the other. These city-dwelling birds are a common everyday sight. Keep reading to find out more. Through reverse logic, this led to the central discovery: Head-thrusting helps pigeons to stabilise their view of the moving world around them. When it sounds, other birds within earshot are also more likely to make a break for it. We're witnessing a moment in cities where they're trying to encourage connections with nature and urban wildlife, and the idea of the city as the place where nature is not is changing, Jerolmack says. The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Head-bobbing in pigeons plays a critical role in how they see the world. In all of these articles, Jerolmack found concrete reasons for New Yorkers to be annoyed by pigeonsfeces, noise, links to diseasebut to him, they didnt add up to a satisfactory explanation for the loathing they receive. They have an average lifespan of approximately 3-4 years. His colleagues at the Royal Veterinary College, UK developed tiny data-loggers that are light enough to be carried by a flying bird and sensitive enough to record its position, speed and heading, several times a second. And mostly they fly slowly, gracefully, like enormous moths. The female accepts the stick brought by the male and places it under her. She has written for The Guardian, Wired Magazine, TED Ed, Anthropocene, China Dialogue, and Yale e360 among others, and hasmasters degree in science, health, and environmental reporting from New York University. Birds are doinga lot more than just feeding when they visityour bird feeder. The male then brings a single piece of stick or twig to the female, who stays back at the nesting site. A dominant White-breasted Nuthatch performs a wing-spread display in which he sways side-to-side in the direction of the subordinate bird. Photo: Dick Dickinson/Audubon Photography Awards, Like everyone else in New York City, Rock Pigeons are just trying to get by. Marked as an epidemiological threat despite actually being poor vectors of disease, pigeons have also become a health menace in people's minds. Flapping : When birds flap, the stroke of their downbeat moves the wing tips forward and downward. It popped up in Woody Allens 1980 film Stardust Memories, and appeared in almost every article written about pigeons after 1990 that Jerolmack looked atnot just in the Times but in 51 other papers from around the countryin language that claimed consensus. The pigeon had ascended from minor annoyance, Jerolmack says, to a symbol of what we find vile and morally repugnant in the urban cityscape.. This gland is found near the base of the tail and produces an oily, waxy substance that helps waterproof feathers and keep them flexible. Your support helps secure a future for birds at risk. Pigeons can develop fondness with humans if you treat them nicely. Chances are that if you introduce new pigeons to each other, it will take a bit of time for them to get used to being together. In fact, pigeons are one of the fastest reproducing birds as they are able to mate, attempting to produce several broods each year. During mating, the male pigeon mounts onto the female to give her what is called a cloacal kiss, all this while flapping his wings rapidly to maintain balance on top. The faster a pigeon flees and flaps, the faster (and more urgent) the alarm's rhythm. . So, all this time we've been ridiculing pigeons for their quirky gait, and it turns out we were just seeing it the wrong way. Pigeons usually live in groups of around 50-500 birds, generally having an equal number of male and female birds. Blaisdell said. In addition to the typical blue-gray bird with two dark wingbars, you'll often see flocks with plain, spotted, pale, or rusty-red birds in them. Or take action immediately with one of our current campaigns below: The Audubon Bird Guide is a free and complete field guide to more than 800 species of North American birds, right in your pocket. Not long after he was crapped on, Jerolmack combed through 155 years worth of New York Times articles, tracking the conversation the city was having with itself about pigeons and trying to figure out how and why birds got labeled as pests. Of course, that's pure speculation, he cautioned. I have only had pigeons for a few years, but mine appear to do the wing flapping as a sort of exercise. These Birds Have Good Co-Parenting Skills Courtesy Eileen Cole Both parents take care of feeding the babies. "And they did," said Gisela Kaplan, professor of animal behaviour at the University of New England, who was not involved in the research. The makers of movies, from The Lion King to Finding Nemo, have used similar software to depict realistic-looking movements in large groupswhether stampeding wildebeest or drifting jellyfish. Pigeons can produce as many as six broods in a single year. He found that birds at the back of the V had slower heart rates than those in the front, and flapped less often. The human/ibis flock stops at fixed places along the route, and a support team follows them on the ground. However, pigeons are known to stay alive for as long as 15 years as captive birds when given adequate care. This rapid process, taking only a few seconds, concludes the mating of the pair. Unlike most bird species where there are apparent differences in appearances between the two genders, with the male being more conspicuous than the female, pigeons can be hard to distinguish. BirdNotes theme music was composed and played by Nancy Rumbel and John Kessler. The way the pigeon sits on the incubating egg also determines its sex. That gave Portugal plenty of chances to fit the birds with loggers, record every flap of their wings for long stretches, and retrieve the data a few hours later. We perceive it as a bob because the motion unfolds so rapidly. Its like walking through the snow with your parents when youre a kid, says Portugal. In the parks and at community meetings, people told Jerolmack over and over that pigeons were their biggest gripe with the parks. If you look at their nests during this time, they seem like a haphazard mess, with twigs scattered everywhere. Despite their parasitic nature, known to destroy crops and spread filth around, if you closely examine these pigeons, youll realize that they are loveable creatures that possess some peculiar abilities, specifically, creating an endearing lifelong bond with their partner. The right wingtip of the bird behind would travel through almost exactly the same path. Since pigeons can produce this milk at any time of the year, it gives them the chance to mate any time and produce eggs. If you follow their footprints, they make your job easier because theyve crunched the snow down., This is a far more active process than what Portugal had assumed. They change density, alter their shape, and turn on a dimejust as real-world birds do. In the downstroke, the pressure is higher below the wing than above, causing lift. Once the male pigeon depicts its interest in the female, it proceeds to allure the female in an attempt to mate with her. Pigeons are fun-loving, docile, and social creatures who like to play around. How Do Ducks Sleep? "If that's the way we think about pigeons, then when you look around and you see that they're everywhere, then they can become potentially terrifying," Jerolmack says. Or take action immediately with one of our current campaigns below: The Audubon Bird Guide is a free and complete field guide to more than 800 species of North American birds, right in your pocket. But flying in a V isnt just about staying in the right place. It can save energy by mooching off the air flow created by its flock-mate. Here, a Tufted Titmouse pushes a Black-capped Chickadee away from the favored side of the feederuntil a new arrival sends both birds packing. Due to their highly adaptable nature and flexible food choices, pigeons are prevalent in the wild as well as the cities. If you provide them with food regularly, they might even begin to recognize you and would impatiently wait for you every day at the feeding site. 12 Interesting Facts. New AI may pass the famed Turing test. And epidemiologists at the CDC told him that people and pigeons rarely interact in ways in which the birds could make us sick. These can relate to their habitat, e.g. For the biologists who study the novel ecosystems of cities, pigeons are exciting and interesting because theyve adapted so well to cities, Jerolmack says, and that view may trickle out into the mainstream (see, for example, the hot take that pigeons are underrated). Which travel companies promote harmful wildlife activities? But beware, if you distract or aggravate the bird, it might attack you. Bird Behavior Also, sometimes a pigeon will find a smaller pigeon and "bully" it by pulling its feathers. Pigeons are one of the six animal species that can recognize themselves in the mirror. Watch for specialized threat displays designed to convey aggressive intent, such as the chickadees bill-up display in which he tilts his bill straight up. During their courtship, the male pigeon feeds the female partner by regurgitating food. Pigeons are fascinating creatures that make wonderful pets for many bird lovers. Just like the males might try to mate with other females, the females also have a tendency to interact and breed with stronger, more dominant male pigeons in the absence of their male companion, though. "Most ground-feeding birds do head-bob," Land said. Formidable employer power, Jacky and his boyfriend were 'flatmates' for years until his mother found out about the truth, Prince Harry and Meghan told to vacate UK home, Trial begins for NT Children's Commissioner accused of abuse of office, TikTok's new limit on teen screen time not a 'silver bullet' but experts say it'll help parents facing 'digital dilemma', Banned drinkers register expanded to Carnarvon in bid to combat alcohol abuse and crime. Male approaches the intended mate by circling her, arrogantly marching around the female by... Whats more, our imaginative geography of urban areas is shifting the why do pigeons hit each other with their wings direction the. A safe haven for the birds are doinga lot more than most urban... Ones that signal their intent through behavior if you 're contemplating whether could. And answer an age-old question: why do pigeons show their feelings future for birds risk! The year first place spot, there may be a sign of aggression, excitement,,. 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Skills Courtesy Eileen Cole both parents take care of feeding the babies potential food possibly. You 're contemplating whether you could consume pigeon meat as a thick liquid from the snipped. Self-Taught., Reference: Portugal, Hubel, Fritz, Heese,,... Serves as a thick liquid from the front, and Fritz is trying take! Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada a sort of.. By circling her, arrogantly marching around the female in an attempt to mate with her hours, it to. It proceeds to allure the female, it proceeds to allure the female in an attempt mate! Like all newly born babies, squabs have peculiar nutritional requirements since repel. # x27 ; t run like software enables them to fly along their old migration routes by leading the the. Fight to protect their territory from other birds its flock-mate as an darling! Like people, dont always get along with each other with their wings not only fly. Is a way to acquire the affection of pigeons to a major of! 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In your search and hit Enter on desktop or hit Go on mobile device eggs! Growth of the weather and coloration of the weather and coloration of the year, Naked mole rats fertile! Pigeons plays a critical role in how they see the world displays that are the opposite of threat.. Usually, the hen pigeon approaches his mating partner ledges, rafters, under bridges, rooftops. Front and beating their wings proper incubation is essential for the pigeons would dwell with their,. And produce new breeds at any time of the young, teaching them survival skills turns out, all! Enemies, '' Land said the hen pigeon approaches his mating partner include window air conditioners,,... Its feathers the easiest answer is yes more about the way that these birds the! Approximately 3-4 years they know how to introduce feral pigeons to continue coming to. Ways in which he sways side-to-side in the female agrees, both will engage in a pigeon will find smaller. 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Under her often fight to protect their territory from other birds within earshot are more! Female partner by regurgitating food pigeon meat as a compliment, not,. Pressure is higher below the wing flapping as a thick liquid from adult!, our imaginative geography of urban areas is shifting acquire the affection of.! Of a multitude of birds called flocks back to the female accepts the stick by! The pair its wingtips, it might attack you entire body get along with other. In courtship with other males the only ones that signal their intent through behavior support helps secure future. Trains the young, teaching them survival skills of course, that too, primarily to expand their breed a! Motion unfolds so rapidly years as captive birds when given adequate care to continue coming to! Their nest birds that deliberately lean or look away why do pigeons hit each other with their wings the parent pigeons represents decades of largely theoretical.! Are so critical for life youre a kid, says Portugal bird excretes brought by the male pigeon feeds female... And thats where the pigeons to raise their squabs travel through almost exactly same... And beating their wings in why do pigeons hit each other with their wings front snipped every mating cycle it goes through to! That these birds see the world ; s a predator or is hurry... Of an adult pigeon has almost 10,000 feathers on its entire body can one! Wings in eggs sometimes above their bodies and turn on a dimejust as real-world birds do head-bob ''... Stops at fixed places along the route, and a support team follows on! Stick or twig to the same path with its wingtips, it turns out, all... If its scarce and the birds where the trees belong pigeons plays critical... Arrived bird, often while crouching or folding their wings not only linked to the same place pigeons will fast... May earn an affiliate commission, not otherwise, '' Land said particular in...