THE LANGT3AGE OF BIRDS. 
95 
the shore. From that moment the winds are hushed, 
the sea becomes smooth, and the calm continues 
fourteen days. This is the time she requires; seven' 
days to hatch, and seven to foster her young. Their 
Creator has taught these little animals to make their 
nest in the midst of the most stormy season, to mani- 
fest his kindness by granting them a lasting calm. 
The seamen are not ignorant of this blessing ; they 
call thi^ interval of fair weather, their halcyon days ; 
and they are particularly careful to seize the oppor- 
tunity, as then they need fear no interruption.' ' 
However superstitious our nautical people may be 
at the present time, and, doubtless, we have frequent 
instances, even in this enlightened age, of their placing 
faith in things almost as marvellous,* yet we do not 
think the kingfisher is considered by them as possess- 
* It is a well-known fact, that captains of merchant ships 
going a voyage, have given seven, and ten guineas for a 
child's caul, as a talisman capable of protecting their ships 
from all dangers and accidents. Others place great depend- 
ence in the power of a well-worn horse shoe ; and the im- 
mortal Nelson is said to have had one nailed to the mast of 
the Victory, which was carefully deposited in one of the 
State rooms in Windsor Castle, and was shewn, amongst 
other trophies, to visitors. 
