PAIRING. 85 



scene became still more interesting when the female 

 was at the point of expiring. Her unfortunate part- 

 ner went round and round her without ceasing; he 

 redoubled his assiduities and his tender cares; he 

 attempted to open her bill, in order to give her 

 nourishment; his emotion every instant increased; 

 he went to her, and returned with the most agitated 

 air, and with the utmost inquietude ; at intervals he 

 uttered the most plaintive cries ; at other times, 

 with his eyes fixed upon her, he preserved a sorrow- 

 ful silence. His faithful companion at length ex- 

 pired: he languished from that time, and survived 

 her only a few months *." 



* Bingley, Anim. Biog. ii. 224. 



