200 THE PENGUIN. 



on their eggs, and cackle like geese, but in a hoarser 

 voice. 



There are several species of this family, all having 

 the same shapes, and differing only in size and colour. 



THE PATAGONIAN PENGUIN. 



How large is the Patagonian Penguin ? 



The Patagonian Penguin, as it stands on the ground, 

 is about three feet high. 



What is the colour of this bird? 



Its colour, from the back of the head downwards, 

 including all the back parts, is black. The throat is 

 also black. The front parts, beginning with a line 

 on the middle of the head, which spreads over ih& 

 breast, and down to the feet, is entirely white. 



What is the shape of the Penguin ? 



The shape of the Penguin is very singular. The 

 feet are placed so far back, that it cannot, like other 

 birds, balance itself on them, and it is therefore obliged 

 to stand erect, like a man. Its wings are so small, 

 and the feathers on them so short, that they appear 

 like fins, rather than like the wings of other birds, arid 

 its feathers are so hard and stiff, that they are more 

 like scales than plumage. 



What country do these birds inhabit ? 



These birds inhabit many of the South Sea islands, 

 and the coasts of South America, particularly Pata- 

 gonia. 



Penguins assemble in flocks, and when they stand 

 on the shore at a distance, they are said to resemble a 

 number of children, dressed in black, with white 

 aprons. 



