152 AUDUBON THE NATURALIST. 



are especally massacred in vast numbers, on 

 account of their feathers. Eventually, however, 

 this unrelenting persecution will be the means 

 of its own extinction, when the multitude of 

 birds, once a prey to these pirates, no longer 

 exist to attract them to their haunts. 



Eeturning from Labrador,- Audubon, as he 

 sailed along the northern coast of Newfound- 

 land, while others beguiled themselves with va- 

 rious amusements, enjoyed a satisfaction which 

 was for him unequalled — that of beholding the 

 grandeur of creajiion displayed in the majestic 

 scenery of those shores, softened by a fertility 

 unknown in Labrador. Here, though along the 

 foot of huge projections of rock, which, like 

 fragments of mountains overhang the sea, the 

 waters dash with terrific force ; more distant val- 

 leys clad with verdure, intermingling with which 

 are gently swelling hills, prove the luxuriance of 

 vegetable growth. 



Numerous habitations add to the cheerfulness 

 of the aspect, while the boats, with their white 

 sails expanded to the breeze, flutter like silvery 

 sea-birds about the inlets which every now and 

 then appear. Clouds of curlews dash through 

 the air as they wing their way to the south. 

 Nearer, the pleasant sight of cattle feeding in 

 cultured meadows, and people busy at their 

 avocations continue to gladden the view. 



