STORIES ABOUT BIRDS. 



element. They are covered all over with a 

 warmer coat of feathers than any other bird, 

 and their lungs are fitted with numerous cavi- 

 ties, by which they can take in a great quantity 

 of air at once, so that they can remain the 

 longer under water. 



At a distance penguins look like children 

 with aprons on them — their pin-like wings 

 hanging down like arms, and their white breast 

 resembling the finest linen. They are of a 

 social disposition; and when they come on 

 shore, they may be seen drawn up in rank and 

 file upon a ledge of rock, standing with the 

 albatross, as if holding a sort of consultation 

 on matters and things of common interest to 

 both tribes. In countries where the penguin 

 abounds, and which have seldom been visited 

 by man, the bird is remarkably tame. Whole 

 flocks of them will sometimes stand still, and 

 allow themselves to be approached and cap- 

 tured. Penguins lay but one egg, and in situa- 

 tions which are much frequented by enemies. 

 They burrow like rabbits. Sometimes three or 

 four take possession of one hole, and hatch 

 their young together. 



The engraving represents a variety of the 

 penguin known as the great auk, found in the 

 group of islands, called the Hebrides. 



22 



