Massing of Wildfowl 459 
mirror-like surface of some great Jucio and you will recognise 
a new movement distinct and dissimilar from regular hibernal 
habit. There float within sight (and the same is happening at 
a score of places beyond sight) not only the usual loose fltillas, 
but three, four, or five concrete assemblages of densely massed 
fowl whose appearance the slightest scrutiny will differentiate 
from the others. These are not sitting quiescent. The binoculars 
disclose a scene of perpetual motion, well-nigh of riot—one might 
be regarding a feathered faction-fight. Hundreds of units fight, 
splash, and chase, or throw up water with beating wings till surf 
and spray half conceals the seething crowd. That flicker of 
pinions and flying foam are, moreover, accompanied by a chorus 
of myriad notes—a babel of twirling sound blended in rising 
and falling cadences, comparable only to the distant roar of 
some mighty city. A more singular spectacle we have not 
encountered, 
Inquiry from one’s companion elicits the reply that these 
assemblages are hechando corros para vrse (literally, “ forming 
choruses preparatory to departure” )—an expression which con- 
veyed no more significance to us than it can to the reader.’ 
We decided to return at daybreak to see this thing through, 
and after watching the phenomenon a score of times can now 
explain it. 
During the morning hours there are established focal points 
whereat assemble those units already affected by the emigrant 
furor. These (at first, perhaps, but a score or two) rapidly 
increase in numbers till each focus becomes the nucleus of a 
corro. The seasonal infection spreads, and as its influence 
impregnates the surrounding masses, these, singly or in scores or 
hundreds as the passion seizes them, hasten to join one or other 
of the mobilising army-corps. Within an hour or two the in- 
significant original nucleus has developed into a vast host all 
in a ferment of agitation, and being constantly reinforced by 
buzzing swarms of recruits from without. 
All this procedure, remember, has been taking place during 
the blazing noontide heat. Now the hour is 2 p.M., and the first 
gentle breath of the daily sea-breeze—the viento de la mar—is 
becoming perceptible. This breeze springs from the 8.W., and 
1 The word ‘‘Corro” applies in Spanish to any noisy group—say a knot of people dis- 
cussing politics in the street ! 
