Litchfield enquirer., 1832-12-06
A SOUTH SEA RooKERY.

4te0MGtSs~~
are very numerous on these lonely isles OF
the southern hemisphere, both in the south
Seas and the S. Pacific Ocean. Ot Fem
gums there are four kinds which resort TO
the Falkland Islands. viz. the king penguin,
the macaroni, tho jackass, and the rookie
nv. The first of these is much larger than
a goose the other three are smaller, diff
fering in appearance in several particulars.
They all walk upright, as their legs project
from their bodies in the same direction
with their tails and when fifty or more
Of them are moving in 6le, they appear at
distance like company of juvenile sol-
diers. They carry their heads high, with
their wings dropping like two arms. Asthe
feathers on the breast are deiicately white,
with line of black running across the crop,
they have been aptly compared, when seen
at distance ito company of children with
white aprons tied round their waists with
black strings. This feathered animal may
be said to combine the qualities OF men,
fishes, and fowls upright like the FIRST
their wings and feet acting the part Of fins.
like the second and finished with bills aud
feathers, like the third. Their gait on
land, however, is very awkward more SO.
than that Of a jack tar just landed from a
long voyage; their legs not being much
better adapted for walking than their wings
are for flying. @
The next most remarkable bird to be
found on these shores is the penguin's in
innate associate and most particular friend,
the albatross. This is one Of the largest
and most formidable Of the South Sea
birds; being Of the gull kind. and taking
its prey upon the wing. Like many 9th
er oceanic birds, the albatross never comes
on land, except for the purpose of breed
ing; when the attachment that exists be-
tween it and the penguin is evinced IN ma
ny remarkable instances indeed 1t seems
as firm as any that can be formed by the
sincerest friends. Their nests are con-
structed with great uniformity near to each
other: that Of the albatross being always
in the, centre of little square, formed by
the nests of four penguins. But more Of
this in its proper place. ze
Another sea-fowl peculiar to these ISL
ands is called The upland goose, and is a.
bout the size of our domestic geese; very
palatable when cooked, being sweet, tender
and juicy. Their plumage is rich and
glossy; that Of the gander dazzling
white his bill being short and block, and
his feet yellow. Tho edges Of the feath-
ers which cover his breast and neck are
black. The down is nearly equal to that
of the swan, and would make beautiful
trimming for ladies' dresses. Bot the down
of the albatross is superior to any thing Of
The kind that have ever seen though
that Of the shag approaches the nearest to
it in quality. If any method could be in
vented to divest it OF that disagreeable fisby
odor peculiar to all oceanic birds, it would
be the most valuable down ever brought to
this country and believe that their fea-
theirs might be made equally as valuable as
geese feathers. ss
The teal is likewise found here, and far
surprising in beauty those Of this country.
Their bills and feet are blue; their wings
of golden green and the plumage Of
their bodies more brilliant aud shining than
that of the pintado. The ducks are SINH
lar to those of our own country. There is
also goose here called the lowland goose,
which somewhat resembles our tame geese.
The males are Of variegated hue, kind
Of mixture Of white and dark grey, chiefly
white. The females are mostly grey. and
resemble ttI0 UTduA "a ttV GbttS0 SsstNSes
They are not quite as large as our geese,
and feed ON shell fish and rock kelp, which
gives their flesh vefy unpleasant flavor.
Oct. l9.-On the day after our arrival
at New Island, all hands were set to work,
| in the discharge Of their peculiar and va
rious duties. A part ofthe crew were en-
gagged in reftting the schooner, by repair
ing her sails. rigging, &c. Another part
were occupied in filling water; and the
remainder were employed in gathering
eggs from the rookeries on the back side
| ofthe island. AS the latter process is not
destitute Of interest, [ shall take this OPP
portunity 10 make the reader better ac-
quaintcd with South Sea rookory, which
IS certainly great curiosity. Indeed /
know of few peculiarities in the history Of
animated nature that are better calculated
to lead rejecting mind to serious con-
temptation Of tho merciful economy OF
Providence, in his governments the crca-
lures to which he has given existence, than
the one now under consideration.
By turning back 10 the " introductory
Sketch" the reader will find my definition
Of the word rOokery TO be temporary en-
campment of oceanic animals, for The pur-
pose Of bringing forth their young 4 and
they unto in immense numbers, and with
great industry to construct II. s