GOATSUCKERS. 



481 



to kill it ; supposing the bird to be the receptacle for departed 

 Fouls, come back to earth, unable to rest for crimes done in 

 their days of nature. 



Ignorance alone has given the goatsucker its name. When 

 the moon shines bright, it may be seen close by the cows, 

 goats, and sheep, jumping up every now and then under their 



bellies. " Approach a little nearer," says Waterton ; " he is 

 not shy, he fears no danger, for he knows no sin. See how 

 the nocturnal flies are tormenting the herd, and with what 

 dexterity he springs up and catches them as fast as they 

 alight on the bellies, legs, or udders of the animals ! Observe 

 how quiet they stand, and how sensible they seem of his 



(379) 31 



