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CHAPTER II. 



THE GANNETS. 



' But if we would closely mark, 

 We should see him not all dark ; 

 We should fiud we must uot scoru 

 The teachings of the idiot-bom." 



Eliza Cook. 



HERE are seven species of Ganuet, one of which is found in Europe. They all 

 breed in colonies, and only lay one egg. 



The Brown Gannet {Sitla kiicogaster). — To describe the birds of an Australian voyage, 

 and omit the confiding Booby would indeed be remiss. Wlio has not seen him at dusk 

 flapping round the ship on a tour of inspection, previous to pitching on board for the 

 night. Once settled, the bird is yours if you choose to brave a few ferocious digs and 

 snaps, for it will not attempt to escape. 



I remember once seeing a ship's cat stealthily stalk a Booby that had boarded us. 

 All her feline craft being brought into play, she soon pounced upon the bird. But the 

 Booby, wildly slashing around with his powerful bill, disentangled himself and hopped 

 aside. And of course flew away, you will say. Nothing of the kind. As far as the bird 

 was concerned, the whole incident appeared to be entirely forgotten. For there it stood, 

 blinking down at the deck, till suddenly aroused by another furious attack from puss. 

 Again, however, did the bird manage to escape, the worse by many feathers ; and this 

 went on till — to prevent the death of the Booby — we had to drive away and shut up 

 the cat. Now, although this bird evidently hated the whole performance, it never seemed 

 to comprehend that flying quietly over the side would get over all its difficulties. It was 

 very amusing to see the trouble the cat took over her first stalk, and how soon she found 

 out that in this case all such finesse was entirely thrown away. 



It is generally believed on board ship that the Booby sees very badly at night, and 

 is therefore specially glad to come to anchor about dusk. Hence his affection for a ship. 

 This fact is, I believe, generally granted; but it does uot account for the stupidity of 



