ORDER IMPENNES 267 



more degenerate, being modified to form mere paddles. It 

 is black and white in colour and measures about two feet in 

 length. The bird is, however, easily recognisable from a 

 photograph. It is very common along the South African 

 coast, resorting to the Guano Islands to breed. It dives 

 with great celerity and exists solely on fish which it captures 

 for itself. It is ungaialy on land, and either waddles along 

 in an upright position or wriggles on its belly by the aid of 

 its flippers. It obtains its vernacular name from its donkey- 

 like call. The eggs are collected by the Cape Government, 

 and sold as food, being eaten chiefly by the Malays, although 

 many white people acquire the taste for them. The " white " 

 of the egg does not boil opaque, like a hen's egg, but remains 

 of a thick jelly-like substance, although it may be boiled for 

 ten minutes or so. 



