NATURALIST'S CABINET. 



Different manners in different countries. 



are also covered more warmly all over the body 

 with feathers, than any other bird whatever; so 

 that the sea seems entirely their element; and 

 but for the necessary duties of propagating the 

 species, it is probable we should scarcely have 

 the smallest opportunity of seeing them, and 

 should be utterly unacquainted with their history. 

 The penguins generally lay their eggs in holes 

 in the ground. In some countries, however, they 

 nestle in a very different manner, and which 

 most of our naturalists ascribe to the frequent 

 disturbances it has received from man or qua- 

 drupeds, in its former recesses. In some places, 

 instead of contenting itself with a superficial de- 

 pression in the ground, the penguin is found to 

 burrow two or three yards deep; in others it is 

 seen to forsake the level, and to clamber up the 

 ledge of a rock, where it lays its egg, and hatches 

 it in that bleak, exposed situation ; and which 

 precautions most probably have been adopted 

 in consequence of dear-bought experience. In. 

 those countries where the bird fears for her own 

 safety, or that of her young, she may providen- 

 tially provide against danger, by digging, or even 

 by climbing; for both which she is but ill 

 adapted ;by nature. In those places however, 

 where the penguin has had but few visits from 

 man, her nest is made, with the most confident 

 security, in the middle of some large plain where 

 they are seen by thousands. In that unguarded 

 situation, neither expecting nor fearing a power* 



