THE STILT-WALKERS. 



73 



soon after dark. It may always be found in that part ot the yard where the sun is shining, and widi 

 its face invariably towards it. When hungry_it seeks for the cook, who usually feeds it ; and if she 

 has neglected its food, looks into the kitchen as if to remind her of the neglect, and waits quietly, but 

 with a searching eye, during the time the meat is cutting up, until it is fed. It is amusing to observe 

 this bird catch flies ; it remains very quiet, as if asleep, and on a fly passing, it is snapped up in an 









THE MARABOU {Leptoptilos cruilieilijir). ONE-EIGHTH NATURAL SIZE. 



instant. There happened to be a pugnacious fussy little Bantam Cock in the yard, who would not 

 permit the intrusion of any stranger ; and on seeing the Jabiru he strutted up with expanded and 

 fluttering wings and ruffled feathers, in a violent state of excitement, cackling and screaming most 

 vehemently, and making efforts as energetic as so diminutive a bird was capable of to frighten, and 

 drive him out of the yard. The Jabiru, with his keen bright eyes, regarded the little fluttering object 

 with cool contempt, and walked about as before ; the Bantam followed. At last the Jabiru turned and 

 strode after the consequential little creature, as if to tread it under his feet, when the Bantam seeing 

 vol. iv. — 128 



