THE GAPERS. 



133 



" When the moon shines brightly," Waterton continues, " you may have a fair opportunity of 

 examining the Goatsucker ; you will see it close by the cows, goats, and sheep, jumping up every now 

 and then under their bellies. Approach a little nearer ; he is not shy; ' he fears no danger, for he 

 knows no sin.' See how the nocturnal flies are tormenting the poor kine, and with what dexterity he 

 springs up and catches them, as fast as they alight on the belly, legs, and udders of the poor animals. 

 Observe how quietly they stand, and how sensible they seem of his good offices ; for they neither 

 strike at him, nor try to drive him away as an uncivil intruder. Were you to dissect him, and inspect 

 his stomach, you would find no milk there ; it is full of the flies that have been annoying the herd." 



All Night Jars breed but once in the year, and that always during the spring-time of their 





THE OIL bird (Stcatoniis Caripaisis). 



native lands. No nest is built, the parents contenting themselves with any retired, shady nook, 

 when about to deposit their eggs. Towards their young, both parents exhibit great attachment and 

 devotion, and will exert every effort to entice any approaching stranger from the little family. 

 Many strange tales have been circulated as to the manner in which their eggs are conveyed from 

 one place to another, in time of danger, and on this point we may now venture to speak with 

 authority, having been fortunate enough to be an eye-witness to the whole proceeding. Upon the 

 occasion to which we refer, a pair of Night Jars which we purposely disturbed, appeared to be 

 overcome with fear for the space 'of a minute, then, suddenly recovering themselves, they each 

 seized an egg in their capacious beaks, and bore it carefully and gently away, flying so near the 

 ground as almost to touch it with their feet. Both parents assist in the labour of incubation, and 



