HISTORY OF MAURITIUS. 
117 
From die breakers to the land, there are large spots that are covered at high water, 
and remain dry when the sea withdraws itself. In this space, there are ditches or 
hollows formed by the sea, which, as they always remain full of water, retain large 
quantities of fish. In these pools a line maybe employed with ease and pleasure; 
because these waters being very clear, the fish are seen coming hastily to seize the 
hook, around which arises a kind of combat for the bait; so that in a very short 
time an abundance of them may be taken. 
“ About a thousand yards from our habitations there was a creek which is full at 
high water, and at the mouth of which we used to lay a net, so that when the sea 
had retire-d there remained many different kinds of fish, and in great numbers, whicfi 
were easily taken. There was also another creek on one-side of our village that 
abounded in oysters, which stuck to the rocks. We often went to breakfast there on 
this delicious shell-fish; which also procured us an excellent ragout, when blended 
with the cabbage of the palm trees, and the fat of turtles. 
Birds. 
“ The most remarkable bird in this island is the Solitaire , so called because it is 
, never seen in flocks. The plumage of the males is gray intermixed with brown; 
their feet and beak resemble those of the turkey, though the latter is rather more 
crooked. They have scarce any tail, and their hinder part is covered with feathers 
in such a manner as to give it a round appearance. They are taller than the 
turkey ; and have a straight neck, somewhat longer in proportion than that bird when 
it erects its head. They have a black and lively eye, but are without crest or top-knot. 
They never fly, as their wings are not sufficiently strong to sustain the weight of their 
bodies; and they employ them principally as the means of attack or defence, or to 
call to one another. For this latter purpose, they turn round twenty or thirty times 
with great velocity; when their wings, being outspread, the motion produces a 
noise which resembles that of a kestril; and may be heard at the distance of an 
hundred yards. The bone of the pinion enlarges at the extremity, atid forms, under 
its feathers, a small round lump like a musket ball, which, with the beak, forms its 
principal defence. It is very difficult to catch it in the woods, but in an open 
space it is easily overtaken. From March till September these birds are very fat; 
and when young, yield a well flavoured meat. The'males sometimes weigh between 
forty and fifty pounds. 
“ The hen is a most beautiful bird. - Some of the females are white, and others 
