INSTINCT AT FAULT. 205 



ships, while on a cruise off the coast of Africa, landed 

 on one of the Cape de Verde Islands for a day's 

 shooting. They spent the whole morning in vain 

 attempts to get within shot of some of the flocks of 

 flamingoes, which are found there in great numbers. 

 At length, giving it up in despair, they threw themselves 

 on the ground to discuss the provisions, which they 

 had brought with them for luncheon. They had not 

 lain long, when a whole flock of flamingoes, not recog- 

 nising in those prostrate objects kicking their heels in 

 the air, the same enemies whom when on foot they 

 had so carefully shunned, drew near, led on by a dan- 

 gerous curiosity, and ventui'ed to approach within so 

 short a distance, that the sportsmen springing to their 

 feet, and snatching up their guns, secured each his 

 bird, before their mistake could be rectified by a timely 

 retreat. 



