254 Life and Immortality. 



that stood in close proximity to his window. A moment or 

 two only elapsed, when the keen smell of these birds scented 

 something edible, but they were unable to find it, obviously 

 for the reason that it was hidden from view by the envelop- 

 ing paper. 



Generally their food consists of all kinds of animal matter. 

 They are often accused of sucking eggs, and also of eating 

 the young of herons, as well as those of other birds. In 

 Trinidad, they are said to live on friendly terms with the 

 poultry. As no breach of faith has been reported to have 

 occurred in this instance, it is not likely that they would 

 molest in any way our smaller birds, at least we are not cog- 

 nizant of any such cases of interference from our own obser- 

 vation, nor do we find them in the recorded experiences of 

 friends. They are worse-disposed, it seems to us, to their 

 own kith. When several are feeding together, most violent 

 wrangles occur over the booty. Each strives to get the 

 lion's share. It is amusing to witness their manoeuvres. 

 Some luckless fellow has just discovered a choice and racy 

 bit, which he is endeavoring to make off with in a somewhat 

 hurried manner, when instantly he is beset by a near com- 

 panion, who has scarcely swallowed his own morsel. A 

 conflict ensues. The latter, being the stronger, succeeds 

 after a little in defrauding the other of his rightful property. 

 When gorged, these birds are stupid and indisposed to exer- 

 tion, the period of digestion ordinarily being passed in a 

 motionless, listless attitude, with half-opened wings. 



Recovered from their semi-stupid condition, they do not 

 at once go to feeding again, but spend a long time in the 

 healthful exercise of their volant appendages. Few birds 

 are more graceful, easy and dignified while on the wing. 

 On the ground they may seem awkward, but it is while 

 soaring at a great height above the earth that they are seen 

 in all their glory. When prepared for lofty flights, they 

 spring from the ground with a single bound, and, after a few 

 quick- flappings of wings, move heavenward. Attaining a 



