t20 



Frigate, 



LAND OF PAPUAS, or NEW GUINEA. 



trees are loadeii with thefe pidurefque birds in a moft fingular 



manner. 



The frigate birds appear gliding in the air at times at ftu- 

 pendous heights, and often making the clouds their place of reft, 

 luiliaining thcmfelves long motionlefs on their vaft expanfe of 

 wing. Then, from a fituation fo lofty as to render them fcarcely 

 vifible, will, by virtue of their penetrating eyes, fee and dart down 

 on a fifh with aftonifliing rapidity, and with their prey as fuddenly 

 regain their former aerial fituation. Gxills are often their at- 

 tendants, and difpute the booty with them. 



PiTRELs. Petrels of different kinds are feen fkimming the furface ; 



fome are accuftomed to fnatch the fiflies as they pafs along ; 

 others, collected in multitudes, fuddenly dart in concert beneath 

 the water for their food, rife again, and repeat their exercifes in 

 long fucceflion. 



PiiECANs. PelecanSf and the duller Corvorants, keep near to the fhores. 



The Pelecam are often feen in the air fhifting from place to place ; 

 their fnowy color, and vafl bulk of body, and expanfe of wing, 

 render them aftonifhing objects ; they fly, like wild g'S.&i^Qy in 

 wedge-fliaped phalanxes, and afford a moft amufing variety in 

 the animated atmofphere. 



PiNGuiN»* The fin-winged Pinguins keep eredl on the fliore, till, com- 



pelled by hunger, they are driven in fearch of food into the fea. 

 Their rapid diving is among the wonders ; they are feen be- 

 neath the tranfparent waves darting after their prey with all the 

 fwiftnefs of the Albicore or Bonito. 

 Water Spouts. Water fpouts are phaenomena moft frequent in thefe feas ; 



they 



