THE LAUGHING JACKASS, 281 
attraction in the glare of a fire, and in the evening is apt to glide silently 
through the branches towards the blaze, and, perching upon a neighbouring 
bough, to pour forth its loud yelling cry. The “old hands” are in no wise 
disconcerted at the sudden disturbance, but shoot the intruder on the spot, 
y— S 
MS... 
LAUGHING JAcKASS.—(Dacelo gigas.) 
and in a very few minutes convert him into a savoury broil over the fire 
which he had come to inspect. 
At the rising and the setting of the sun the Laughing Jackass becomes 
very lively, and is the first to welcome the approach of dawn, and to chant 
its strange exulting pecans at the return of darkness, From this peculiarity 
