222 THE CORMORANT. 



to plume its feathers, as much at ease as if seated on 

 its native rocks. It was removed to a menagerie, 

 and supplied with water, into which it immediately 

 plunged, and manifested much restlessness, as if 

 disappointed in not finding fish. After this it 

 gradually became more docile, and fed upon what- 

 ever was offered; and, if let out, never attempted 

 to ramble, but walking direct to the house, would 

 enter the first open door, without caring either for 

 men or dogs; and, in short, at last becoming trou- 

 blesomely tame. 



This is fully corroborated by another account of a 

 couple of these birds, which were brought up from 

 the nest, and kept for nearly two years. The owner 

 found them pleasant pets enough, unless when pressed 

 by hunger, when they became quite outrageous, and 

 screamed violently. But woe to the man or animals 

 that ventured to approach them when hungry. One 

 day a gentleman's servant went in to look at them, 

 wearing, unfortunately for himself, a pair of red 

 plush breeches, which immediately caught their at- 

 tention, mistaking them, probably, for raw flesh, as 

 they had been accustomed to be fed 011 raw liver 

 and lights, resembling the plush, in some degree, in 

 colour: the consequence was, they made such a 

 furious charge, that the owner was obliged to come 

 to his assistance with a stick, and even then could 

 not keep them off without much difficulty. Their 

 attack on dogs, cats, aad poultry, if unprotected, 

 was always fatal. They fought at once with their 

 bills, wings, and claws, screaming frightfully all the 

 time. They were on this account at last parted with, 

 having killed a favourite pointer. The poor dog had 



