328 
POPULAR HISTOItY OE BIRDS. 
being disturbed sinks it below the water^ so that the head 
and neck only are seen. After feedings this species usually 
perches on a snag of some tree which has fallen into the 
water ; where it sits for hours motionless^ digesting, in peace 
and quietness^ the fish and frogs on which it has been regaling. 
The Tropic birds [PhaetJwn) are distinguished by their 
two middle tail-feathers being very long and straw-like. 
They are birds of great power of wing, and very seldom 
quit the warmer parts of the equatorial seas ; so that their 
presence indicates to the sailor his approach to the Tropics ; 
hence their common name. Their scientific name, as Wa- 
terton quaintly remarks, has been aptly applied by Lin- 
nsens : — He has called it Phaeton, no doubt whatever, 
because it is chiefly to be found in that region where old 
ApoUo^s son cut so conspicuous a figure on his fathe/s 
coach-box. All the world has heard of Phaeton, and of the 
manner in which he unfortunately broke down in his first 
and last attempt at four-in-hand"^.'^ 
In the Ethnographical Room of the British Museum are 
some very curious and gaudy mourning and military dresses 
of the South Sea Islanders, amply decorated with feathers. 
These objects were brought to this country by Captain 
* Waterton's ' Essays/ p. 286. 
