232 



GALLING. MEGAPODID^. 



room to admit their bodies, and to throw out the 

 earth between their legs. In the present instance 

 the native dug down six times in succession to a 

 depth of six or seven feet, without finding an egg, 

 and at the last attempt came up so exhausted that 



MOUND-RAISING MEGAPODIUS. 



he refused to try any more ; induced; however, by 

 promised reward, he made a seventh attempt, and 

 to the gratification of his employer, and not less 

 to his own pride and satisfaction, held up an egg, 

 and after a few more exertions, a second : thus 

 proving, observes Mr. Gilbert, how cautious Eu- 

 ropeans should be of disregarding the narrations 

 of these poor children of nature. 



