308 



THE BOOBY 



the water, dropping almost like a stone. Tlieir eye in this act is so 

 correct, that they never fail to rise with a fish in their mouth. 



Mr. Pennant says, that the natives of Saint Kilda hold these birds 

 in much estimation, and o r ten undergo the greatest risks to obtain 

 them. Where it is possible, they climb up the rocks which they 

 frequent, and in doing this they pass along paths so narrow and 

 difficult, as, in appearance, to allow them barely room to cling, and 

 that too at an amazing height over a raging sea. Where this cannot 

 be done, the fowler is lowered by a rope from the top; and, to tako 

 the young-ones, oftentimes stations himself on the most dangerous 

 ledges. Unterrified, however, he ransacks all the nests within his 

 reach ; and then, by means of a pole and his rope, he moves off to 

 other places to do the same. 



We are told also, ttiat to take the old birds, the inhabitants tie a 

 Herring to a board, and set it alloat ; so that, by falling furioiisly 

 upon it, the bird may break its neck in the attempt. 



THE BOOBY. 



This and some other species have been denominated Boobies from 

 their excessive stu- 

 pidity ; their silly 

 aspect ; and their 

 habit of continually 

 shaking their head 

 and shivering, when 

 they alight on t he 

 yards or rigging of 

 vessels, where they 

 often suffer the m- 

 selves to be taken 

 with the hand. 1 n 

 their shape and or- 

 ganization they 

 greatly resemble the 

 Corvorants. 



The Boobies have 

 an enemy of their 

 own tribe, that per- 

 petually harasses 

 them. This is the 

 Frigate Pelican; 

 which rushes upon 

 them, pursues them 

 without intermission, 

 and obliges them by 

 blows with its wing 

 and bill, to surrender 

 lh*s prey that they have taken, which it instantly seizes and swallows. 



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