412 EXPLANATORY INDEX. 



being quite small, and the expanded wings measuring about 

 eight feet from tip to tip. The total length of the bird, 

 including the long tail, is about three feet. The muscles of 

 the breast, by which the wings are moved, are themselves 

 one quarter the weight of the entire body. Thus, like the 

 albatross, it can pass the greater part of its time on the wing, 



FRIGATE BIRD. 



not seeming to feel fatigue. As it wheels its flight over ships, 

 the scarlet throat-pouch is very conspicuous, the light shining 

 through its skin when expanded. 



It is a very voracious bird, and Dr. Bennett remarks that 

 he has repeatedly seen it sweep upon the top of the mast and 

 carry away the coloured vane. 



Being no diver, and a very poor swimmer, it is apt to 

 pounce upon gannets and other diving birds, and rob them of 

 their prey. Should the gannet pluck up sufficient spirit to 

 resist, the Frigate bird is sure to be worsted. Both birds 

 necessarily fall into the sea, where the gannet is quite at 

 home, and escapes by diving, while the Frigate bird is 

 helplessly flapping about in the water. 



The colour of the adult male Frigate bird is black, with a 

 gloss of green, the female being of much duller black above 

 without any green gloss, and having the under surface nearly 

 white, with splashes of reddish brown. 



Fox (Vulpes cancrivora). This animal is generally called 

 Savannah Fox by the colonists, and Mikang by the natives. 

 It is very swift, and in fair chase can outrun most dogs. It 

 is very small, grey in colour, and has a large bushy tail. 



