254 Life and Immortality. 
that stood in close proximity to his window. A moment or 
two only elapsed, when the keen smell of these birds scented 
something edible, but they were unable to find it, obviously 
for the reason that it was hidden from view by the envelop- 
ing paper. 
Generally their food consists of all kinds of animal matter. 
They are often accused of sucking eggs, and also of eating 
the young of herons, as well as those of other birds. In 
Trinidad, they are said to live on friendly terms with the 
poultry. As no breach of faith has been reported to have 
occurred in this instance, it is not likely that they would 
molest in any way our smaller birds, at least we are not cog- 
nizant of any such cases of interference from our own obser- 
vation, nor do we find them in the recorded experiences of 
friends. They are worse-disposed, it seems to us, to their 
own kith. When several are feeding together, most violent 
wrangles occur over the booty. Each strives to get the 
lion’s share. It is amusing to witness their manceuvres. 
Some luckless fellow has just discovered a choice and racy 
bit, which he is endeavoring to make off with in a somewhat 
hurried manner, when instantly he is beset by a near com- 
panion, who has scarcely swallowed his own morsel. A 
conflict ensues. The latter, being the stronger, succeeds 
after a little in defrauding the other of his rightful property. 
When gorged, these birds are stupid and indisposed to exer- 
tion, the period of digestion ordinarily being passed in a 
motionless, listless attitude, with half-opened wings. 
Recovered from their semi-stupid condition, they do not 
at once go to feeding again, but spend along time in the 
healthful exercise of their volant appendages. Few birds 
are more graceful, easy and dignified while on the wing. 
On the ground they may seem awkward, but it is while 
soaring at a great height above the earth that they are seen 
in all their glory. When prepared for lofty flights, they 
spring from the ground with a single bound, and, after a few 
quick flappings of wings, move heavenward. Attaining a 
