14 NATURE STUDY. 



grown cormorant can bring up a fish weighing as much as itself ; if 

 a fish is too heavy another bird will often assist in carrying it 

 aboard, although young or weak fishers are robbed of their prizes 

 by stronger companions. 



The peacock, although not indigenous to China, is reared in all 

 the provinces, and its tail feathers, stuck in mandarins' hats, de- 

 note certain grades of official rank. The characters in which the 

 name is written mean an immense or magnificent bird. 



Owls are mde spread, also vultures and eagles. Among the 

 commonest small birds are tits and reedlings; robins, tailor birds, 

 and woodpeckers exist, but are rare. Several kinds of kingfishers 

 are known, and the glittering metallic blue feathers of one variety 

 are used to make fans, decorate wedding chairs, etc. 



Grouse, quail, partridges and snipe are almost inconceivably nu- 

 merous in all parts of the empire. Poultry is reared in quantities, 

 and there are many different breeds. 



In concluding this brief accoimt of some Chinese birds, mention 

 may fitly be made of one dubbed by natives " The Emperor of all 

 Winged Things." It did not head the list for the reason that this 

 bird — the phoenix — exists only in literature and in art. The Chi- 

 nese, however, believe it to have been extant in the days of Con- 

 fucius. As pictured, it bears some resemblance to the golden 

 pheasant, and has feathers of five colors in vivid shades. Constant- 

 ly appearing on porcelains, it is in even greater favor as a subject 

 for embroideries. Writers describe it as having been so gentle that 

 it avoided crushing tender plants and refused to feed on living 

 insects. — Oui' Animal Ftieiids. 



The Origin of the Rattlesnake. 



The Passamaqiioddy Indians — like all other Indians — have many 

 legends attached to their tribe. Around one of their prophets, 

 called Kuloskap, has been built a great epic, very much resem- 

 bling our Bible history. He seemed to be the patron saint of these 

 warlike people, and he performed miracles quite beyond the power 

 of mortals. Some of the Passamaquoddy warriors were very arro- 

 gant, and though Kuloskap gave them warning of a great flood, 

 they said they did not care. 



" The water may rise above our heads," said Kuloskap. 



Thej^ only laughed and replied : " We shall then be very wet." 



" You had better be good and quiet, and pray that you may es- 



