TWO DATS 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 esKs in drift debris. 



believed themselves unobserved they trusted in the 

 former ; but the nioment 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 jiermitted. This observation was verified 

 later on Penikese," where young were numerous, and 

 the habit was well shown by the young Ijird figured."' 

 Ho was discoA^ered squatting among the rocks, where 

 he remained, practicallj^ 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 e3^es from the exact spot in which he was crouch- 

 ing. Wishing now to show him to better advantage, 



he was picked up and placeil on a wisp of drift- 

 9 



