BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 199 
easily as a knife. Signs of this bad disposition continued for some 
days, but gradually they seemed to become accustomed to civilized 
life, and became quite affectionate, running in an ungainly manner 
towards me whenever I appeared with a fish in my hand. It 
was amusing to watch the struggles of the youngsters in their 
endeavors to swallow fish nearly as large as themselves, and their 
apparent disgust at being unsuccessful. After a while a tub half 
full of water was placed at their disposal; in which they splashed 
about, seeming to enjoy it greatly. About two months after their 
capture, the smaller bird seemed to grow gradually weaker and 
weaker, and one morning we found him lying dead in his box. The 
other seemed to mope for a few days after the loss of his brother, 
but soon recovered his spirits and became as lively as ever. As he 
grew older he became more and more difficult to please in regard to 
his food. Nothing would tempt him to eat a fish which had been 
dead over night. Oftentimes while cruising from one island to 
another we were detained by contrary winds and unable to procure 
fresh fish with which to feed him. At such times he would eat 
nothing, and it was necessary to force food down his throat to 
keep him from starving. When very hungry or teased by one of 
the men, he would walk around the deck with his mouth open, 
uttering a peculiar guttural sound. | Incubation commences about 
December Io. 
RigweAtid je bdsseNn Ay Vole Vix pl, 417; 
