218 



THE NATATOEES. 



The Penguins [Ajytenochjtes) 



Belong exclusively to cold countries. They rarely quit the vicinity 

 of land, yet onl}^ take to the shore in the breeding season, or when 

 driven by squalls and storms from their favourite element. On 

 shore they are compelled to sit erect. They carry the head very 

 high and the neck stretched out, while their short winglets are 

 advanced like two diminutive arms. When they sit perched in 

 flocks on some lofty projecting rock they might be mistaken at a 

 distance for a line of soldiers. 



At certain periods of the year the Penguins assemble on the 

 beech as if they preconcertedly met for deliberation. These 



Fig. 81. — Penguin {Aptenodytes). 



assemblies last for a day or two, and are conducted with an 

 obvious degree of solemnity. When the meeting results in a 

 decision, they proceed to work with great activity. Upon a 

 ledge of rock, sufficiently level and of the necessary size, they 

 trace a square with one of its sides parallel and overlooking 

 the edge of the water, which is left open for the egress of 

 the colony. Then with their beaks they proceed to collect 

 all the stones in the neighbourhood, which they heap up outside 

 the lines marked out, to serve them as a wall, to shelter them 

 from the prevailing winds. During the night these openings are 



