54 EFFECTS OF AN ECLIPSE. 



whole colony is buried in silence and hidden in 

 darkness. The Paradise Bird then sits tranquilly 

 upon his perch, and no more greets the stranger, 

 but stares in stupid amazement at the late visit. 

 The cages of this, and the other birds in the 

 verandah, are very carefully covered up at night 

 to protect them from cats, or any other midnight 

 prowlers. 



It once happened, during a total eclipse of the 

 sun, as that luminary became overshadowed, 

 the " feathered colony," if not in a consternation 

 at the event, was exceedingly puzzled at the 

 rapid and unusual termination of the day, and 

 all retired supperless to bed ; they received, 

 however, a second surprise at the briefness of the 

 night, for before they could be well asleep, the 

 cocks crowed at the reappearance of the luminary, 

 and they again resumed their daily amusements 

 and occupations. 



