TWO DAYS WITH THE TERNS 113 
However, the few young that were seen gave 
a most interesting exhibition of their instinctive 
appreciation of the value of both their protective 
colors and the power of their legs. As long as they 
55. Tern’s nest and eggs in drift débris. 
believed themselves unobserved they trusted in the 
former; but the moment they became convinced that 
a further attempt at concealment was useless, they 
transferred their faith to their pedal extremities, on 
which they pattered off as far and as fast as their 
strength permitted. This observation was verified 
later on Penikese,®” where young were numerous, and 
the habit was well shown by the young bird figured.” 
He was discovered squatting among the rocks, where 
he remained, practically at my feet, while I set up 
my tripod and deliberately made his picture—during 
which operation so inconspicuous was he that I in- 
variably had to hunt for him each time I removed 
my eyes from the exact spot in which he was crouch- 
ing. Wishing now to show him to better advantage, 
he was picked up and placed on a wisp of drift- 
9 
