278 



ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS. 



at dinner time, in the great hall, behind its master's 

 chair, where it remained in expectation of its usual 

 share in the meal. The servants had some difficulty 

 in protecting the dishes from its attacks previously 

 to the arrival of the guests : they carried switches 

 for the purpose, but it would frequently watch its 

 opportunity and snatch some favourite morsel before 

 they were aware of it. In this way it had been known 

 to swallow an entire boiled fowl at a single mouthful. 

 It was permitted to fly at large about the island, and 

 roosted very high among the silk-cotton-trees, from the 

 tops of which, even at the distance of two or three 

 miles, it would espy the servants carrying the dishes 

 across the yard, and dash down among them as they 

 entered the hall. 



The attitudes of these birds are particularly curious, 

 and frequently not a little ludicrous. At rest they 

 either stand upon one leg with the neck withdrawn 

 and the bill brought forwards towards the breast, or 

 sit upon the ground with one or both legs directed 

 straight before them. But when excited they elongate 

 their necks, and stand at their full height, menacing 

 with their large bills, which are, however, too light to 

 inflict any serious injury, even were the birds courage- 

 ous enough to attempt it. 



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