EST AUDUBON'S LABEADOB 



murres, but on this Gull Island we were able 

 to approach within two or three paces of some 

 of the cormorants before they flew away from 

 the nests where they were brooding their 

 young. These birds are at first sight not 

 pleasing to look upon, but both the botanist 

 and I were much attracted by one individual 

 who, as she brooded her young, displayed in 

 her countenance — if I may use the word — 

 and in her whole bearing the tender emotions 

 of motherly love. We approached her slowly 

 and with great care and I finally stood within 

 four feet of the nest. Addressing her in terms 

 of endearment, I endeavored to stroke her 

 back, but even a follower of Audubon could 

 not inspire faith enough for this familiarity. 

 I am sure that, if I could have visited this 

 charming bird again, we should have been 

 able to establish terms of mutual confidence. 

 It reminded me of an experience of Audubon's 

 on the cliffs of Cape Whittle opposite. He 

 says, "I had the pleasure of coming imme- 

 diately upon a Cormorant's nest, that lay in 

 a declivity not more than four or five yards 

 below me; the mother bird was on her nest 

 with three young; I was unobserved by her 



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