62 NATURAL HISTORY OF BIRDS. 



tance between the impressions made by the wing in the snow, and found it to be, on 

 an average, twenty-seven inches. 



" The water is their proper element, to which the whole structure of the body and 

 the smooth scale-like plumage is adapted. Standing on shore they plunge into the 

 rising wave, and dart through the water like a shot, by means of the wings only. The 

 speed and impetus may easily be tested by fixing a long line to the bird, and then 



FIG. 28. Catarractes demersus, rock-hopper. 



letting it off into the water. The shock felt when it has run the line out is quite con- 

 siderable. The bird reappears at some distance from land to breathe, Avhen it immedi- 

 ately again dives, continuing its flight under water. 



"The greater part of the day is spent at sea, the fauna of which yields the 

 voracious birds an abundant supply of food. They return to the shore before dark. 

 Shoals of penguins may often be seen, when on their way towards the shore, alternately 

 jumping clear out of the water and then diving again. If the attention of such a flock 

 be attracted by any foreign object, for instance, a boat, the whole company will stop 

 and lie quiet on the water for a moment, stretching their necks far out, but continue 



