LETTER XI. 



95 



as the lid is 



opened they raise 



themselves up until they 



can hook their bills on to the x^ 



edge ; and then, assisted by their wings and scrambling with their 



claws, they hoist themselves up. When upon the top of the box, 



they would be satisfied for a little while, shake themselves, and 



dress their feathers. The instinctive love of motion, however, 



would soon return, and they go off on a voyage of discovery. 



They walk with great caution, keeping their heads down, and 

 using their bills as walking-sticks, hooking hold of any inequality 

 to assist themselves along, and keeping themselves up, for they 

 have a constant tendency to topple over on their faces : they also 

 are of great service to feel their way, for their sight seemed very 

 imperfect, and their eyes were generally closed. When informed 

 by the bill that they are arrived at the edge of the table, the 

 closed eyes open, and an anxious survey is taken of the depth 

 below ; and after considerable preparation and thought, the 

 hazardous leap is taken, and a short flight performed in safety 



