THE PENGUIN. 79 



compact, and warm, than that of any other known volatile, — a 

 circumstance that strikingly manifests an all-wise design in the 

 adaptation of creatures to their destined purposes and modes of 

 living. 



Fowls of the penguin tribe are social and gregarious, at least 

 when they come on shore ; which is never but at the season of 

 breeding. At that time they are seen drawn up in great bodies, 

 and from the steady composure of the whole assembly,, have the 

 appearance of being engaged in a consultation with the alba- 

 trosses, of which great numbers are mixed among them, and, as 

 already observed, collectively form a peaceable and harmonious 

 society. This happens about the beginning of November. All 

 their preparations are soon made-, as they construct no nest, 

 but only make a small depression in the ground, which suffi- 

 ciently answers their purpose. The female lays but one egg, 

 which is about as large as that of a goose. It is said that in 

 places where annoyance is to be apprehended from rapacious 

 birds and other animals, they burrow deep in the ground, and 

 three or four taking possession of the same hole, one stands 

 sentinel to guard the rest. Some also assert, that two or three 

 females often lay in one nest, and sit by turns. This work, how- 

 ever, does not long continue; for by the warmth of their bodies 

 incubation is rapidly carried on, and their young are soon ready 

 to follow them to the element which Nature has appointed for 

 their residence. 



We have now taken a cursory view of a numerous class of 

 aquatic birds, and from this slight glance must be observed 

 the exact conformity between their construction and their des- 

 tination, which every where strikes the eye, and proclaims 

 the wisdom of Him who has so admirably endowed every being 

 with corresponding instinct and powers, indicated to them their 

 proper food, and assigned them the place of their abode. 



CHAPTER XII. 

 THE CiOOSE KIOTS. 



" The stately swan 



Gives out his snowy plumage to the gale ; 

 And, arching proud his neck, with oary feet 

 Bends forward fierce, and guards his ozier isle, 

 Protective of his young." — Thomson. 



The class of volatiles to which we are now about to give our 

 attention, is of the most interesting kind. Intimately connected 



