1840.] RENDEZVOUS IN THE BAY OP ISLANDS. 289 



possessing immense strength ; it often attacks one of the 

 largest whales, catching him by the throat, and worrying 

 him to death, but, as the whalers say, it contents itself with 

 devouring the tongue of its victim — thus indicating, savag- 

 and ferocious as it may be, the possession of a most refined 

 epicurean taste. 



Among the wild fowl are albatrosses, Port Egmont hens, 

 and petrels, in great abundance. Large flocks of cape 

 pigeons are often seen. The edges of the cliffs are filled with 

 the nests of the pintado birds and rapacious skua gulls; and 

 the loud coarse notes of the innumerable penguins make an 

 eternal din. The largest of the penguins found here weigh 

 upwards of sixty pounds each : their flesh is of a dark color, 

 and has a rank fishy flavor. 



(9.) On overhauling the Peacock at Sydney, it was found 

 that extensive repairs would be necessary. She therefore re- 

 mained here, with orders to follow the squadron to Tonga- 

 taboo, while the Vincennes sailed for New Zealand on the 

 19th of March. In the morning of the 30th instant, the 

 latter entered the Bay of Islands, and came to anchor in the 

 Kawa-Kawa river, where she found the Porpoise and Flying 

 Fish, and the scientific corps, looking for her with some 

 anxiety. The Peacock, having completed her repairs, and 

 replenished her stock of provisions, sailed from Sydney, on 

 the same day, for the Tonga Islands. 



In 

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