252 STORIES ABOUT BIRDS. 



When hobbling along on land, thej are said 

 to resemble a dog who has been taught to stand 

 on his hinder feet. Were it not for the aid 

 they derive from their wings in walking, they 

 would hardly move faster than a tortoise. But 

 awkward as penguins are on land, they move 

 gracefully and swiftly on the surface of the 

 water. They urge themselves forward as the 

 Indian does his canoe, with the paddles in the 

 rear. Penguins are famous for diving, too. 

 Little boy, did 3^ou ever plung'e into a deep 

 river or lake, head foremost ? Yery likely you 

 have; and some of you, perhaps, pride your- 

 selves a little on your skill in performing this 

 feat. But the penguin can beat you, depend 

 upon it. By incUning his body a little for- 

 ward, as he is swimming, he loses his centre of 

 gravity, and down he goes below the surface. 

 Every stroke from his feet, after that, only 

 tends to sink him the faster. In this way 

 they often catch fish, remaining a short time 

 under water, then coming up to take breath, 

 and again plunging under water. When they 

 find themselves pursued by an enemy, they 

 instantly sink, and remain a long time with all 

 their body under Avater, except their bill. 



You cannot imagine how admirably the 

 Creator has fitted these birds for their favorite 



