BANKSIAN COCKATOO. CaJyrtorhvnehus Banksii. 



their force as the native advances ; they are aware that danger is at hand, but are ignorant 

 of its nature. At length the pursuer almost reaches the edge of the water, and the scared 

 Cockatoos, with wild cries, spring into the air ; at the same instant the native raises his 

 right hand high over his shoulder, and, bounding forward with his utmost speed, to give 

 impetus to his blow, the kiley quits his hand as if it would strike the water ; but when it 

 has almost touched the unruffled surface of the lake, it spins upwards with inconceivable 

 velocity, and with the strangest contortions. * 



In vain the terrified Cockatoos strive to avoid it ; it sweeps wildly and uncertainly 

 through the air and so eccentric are its motions, that it requires but a slight stretch of 

 the imagination to fancy it endowed with life and with fell swoops in rapid pursuit of 

 the devoted birds, some of whom are almost certain to be brought screaming to the earth. 

 But the wily savage has not yet done with them. He avails himself of the extraordinary 

 attachment which these birds have for one another, and fastening a wounded one to a 

 tree, so that its cries may induce its companions to return, he watches his opportunity, by 

 throwing his kiley or spear, to add another bird or two to the booty he has already 

 obtained." 



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