222 P^(>^ Magazines, &-€. [ist Apni 



lying flat on the ground, pushes itself along with all the force 

 of its claws and its wings. Should it be overtaken, instead of 

 trying to increase its speed it stops, backs up again to face anew 

 the peril, and returns to its position of combat. Sometimes it 

 takes the offensive, throws itself on its aggressor, which it punishes 

 with blows of its beak and wings. 



" With the opening of spring, the AdeHes return little by little 

 toward their old rookeries. As soon as they arrive many make 

 their bed on the snow as if to rest from the fatigue of their long 

 journey ; those more rested or less indolent hunt for pebbles 

 needed for building their nests. 



" The life of the city becomes more and more active ; the birds 

 are each day more numerous. The smallest rock uncovered is 

 at once occupied. Small stones become scarcer and scarcer, and 

 it is difficult for new arrivals to procure them ; thereupon the last 

 comers resort to stratagem in order to steal from neighbouring 

 nests. 



" The quarrels over ownership increase ; each works for itself ; 

 selfishness rules as master ; everywhere is distrust. 



" One suspects its neighbour, which, when it approaches, 

 suspects it ; if it tries, in spite of the cries and menaces, to come 

 nearer, it is received with blows of the beak ; if it tries to steal 

 a pebble and is detected, it is pursued and severely punished. At 

 every moment some quarrels, some battles, burst out. Often a 

 dispute between two indvidiuals, degenerating into a fight, ends 

 by spreading the trouble into every corner of the city. The 

 Adelie is a savage individual, constantly in conflict to defend its 

 property. 



" When the Penguins come to their rookeries the male begins 

 to search for a female, with whom it will stay until the young are 

 able to take care of themselves. At this time the male is full of 

 animation before the female, and carries on a very ardent court- 

 ship. Sometimes two males having the same tastes court the 

 same female. There is then seen a rivalry in gallantry ; the 

 female, surrounded by two suitors who attack, probably with 

 pretty words, dares not decide too quickly. She is intimidated, 

 and these attacks of gallantry are generally ended by a regular 

 battle between the suitors ; but we cannot say with certainty 

 whether the victor in the contest inevitably becomes the husband 

 of the lady Adelie. 



" What confusion in these cities of the Adelie ! How many 

 quarrels over stolen pebbles and property rights ! How many 

 battles, too, started by jealous husbands ! And all this occurs 

 on ground wet \\dth melting snow, stained with mud the colour 

 of wine dregs. 



" The Adelies lay two, very rarely three, eggs. They are 

 slightly greenish-white ; their weight varies between 125 and 135 

 grams. The laying begins in the first days of November and ends 

 by the last of December. Male and female alternately sit on 

 the nest. 



