BIRDS OF THE WAVE AND WOODLAND 



i«3 



can read of its eggs being cooked by the million without any 

 keener feeling of regret than if they were apples. And, after 

 all, the wholesale robbery of their nests does not reduce 



A COLONY OF CORMORANTS 



their myriads, for more than enough are hatched every year 

 to fill the gaps caused by death. Being, too, so courageous, 

 the gull escapes persecution by its larger companions, and 

 even the sea-eagle prefers, with so large a choice of more 

 timid victims, to leave such obstreperous birds alone. 

 When threatened by the great bird of prey they join for 

 the common defence, and the eagle is often seen, at long 



