THE CORMORANT. 



373 



forced meat, and was left by the gentleman, who retired to his 

 library after seeing it fed, but who was not a little surprised, 

 in a few minutes, to see the bird walking boldly into the 

 room, and, when before the fire, beginning to plume its 

 feathers, as much at ease as if seated on its native rocks. It 

 was removed to a menagerie, and supplied with water, into 

 which it immediately plunged, and manifested much restless- 

 ness, as if disappointed in not finding fish. After this it 

 gradually became more docile, and fed upon whatever was 

 offered ; and if let out, never attempted to ramble, but walking 



Cormorants. 



direct to the house, would enter the first open door, without 

 caring either for men or dogs ; and, in short, at last becoming 

 troublesomely tame. 



This is fully corroborated by another account of a couple of 

 these birds which were brought up from the nest, and kept 

 for nearly two years. The owner found them pleasant pets 

 enough, unless when pressed by hunger, when they became 

 quite outrageous, and screamed violently. But woe to the 

 man or animals that ventured to approach them when hungry. 



