DOMESTIC LIFE 



The comparative size of the penguin's egg is 

 shown in some of my photographs. Ninety-six 

 eggs averaged 4*56 ounces apiece. They vary in 

 size from about 6 '45 c.m. to 7 "2 c.m. in length, and 

 from 5-0 c.m. to 5' 5 c.m. in breadth, on an average. 

 Both ends are nearly equally rounded, and of a white 

 chalky texture without, and green within. This 

 green colour is plainly shown by transmitted light. 



When the two have been laid the sitting bird 

 places them one in front of the other. The rear- 

 most egg is tucked up on the outspread feet, the 

 foremost lies on the ground, and is covered by the 

 belly of the bird as it lies forward upon it. (Fig. 

 31.) By many of the birds a strong inclination to 

 burrow was displayed, and they seemed very fond 

 of delving in the soft shingle ledges that were to be 

 found on some parts of the beach. They did this 

 ostensibly to get small stones for their nests, but 

 certainly burrowed deeper than they need have 

 done, and occasionally squatted for some time in 

 little caves that they made in this way. I noticed 

 the same thing in the drifts when they went to eat 

 snow, and thought at times that they were going 

 to make underground nests, but they never did so, 

 though some of the little shingle caves would have 

 made ideal nesting sites. 



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