Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1902-07-18
ODDITIES OF THE ARCTIcS.
How the Animals Change Color - A Do-
mestic Tyrant.

How the Animals Change Color - A Do
nestic Tyrant.
During the summer months much of
the land becomes free from snow and
ice under the joint action of sun and
wind, and the snow that resists re-
moval is darkened by a deposit of line
dust particles. In this season the ami
mails wear their darker clothing, and
birds have, by way Of change, a less
gaudy plumage. The background
against which they stand would betray
their presence if the white dress of
winter were worn now; then, too, it
makes it possible for the foxes, ducks,
and other animals and birds to crafty
a natural vanity by putting on, for a
time at least, another coat.
In winter, white is again worn. The
background is now snow and ice, and
the only chance which the Arctic
chicken now has to deceive the fox is
to roll up like a ball, and simulate
lump of ice. The ice-bear is equipped
successfully to creep upon the ever
watchful seal, because he looks like
the other blocks of white around him.
He remembers, however, his black
nose, and is said to be sharp enough to
cover it with his paw while approach
ing his doing prey.
The seal does not stop his search for
food until he has completely satisfied
his excellent appetite; then he takes
good nap, lying upon the very edge Of
the ice, or as close as possible to his
breathing hole. The slightest sound
will awaken him, and, without waiting
to find out the source or direction, he
rolls into the water. He can stay un-
der for only 35 minutes, but where he
will come up none can tell. This no
one knows better than the bear; and if
the bear realizes that it is impossible
to steal upon the leeward side of the
seal, having his black nose covered
with his paw and his bloodshot eyes
closed, when the seal has his open and
on the watch, he looks about for ia
vorable point of departure, dives un-
der the ice, and if he rightly judges the
distance and direction, he comes up at
the very spot where the seal had ex-
pected to go down. The seals fate is
thus settled, and the bears shrewd-
ness earns its reward.
The beautiful eider-duck has often
been cited as an ideal mother, and
touching stories are told of her pluck
ing the down from her own breast to
make the nest in which to hatch her
young. 1t is also said that if the hunters
fob thn oh 1rYcr ,ni1 hnr -alf
for the second time, not calling upon
the selfish drake until she has literally
stripped herself. The drake is de-
clared to be strict in keeping his mate
to her duties, insisting that she shall
attend to the work of Matching. If
the duck ventures upon a walk, he does
not offer to take her place while she
goes gadding about, but perhaps know
ing she is to fond of idleness, cruelty
drives her back to her household duty.
The duck lays only five eggs, and if
she feels that her nest is large enough
and warm enough to hold more, she
boldly robs her neighbors, carrying
the eggs, one at time, under her
wing, until she has seven or eight.
However, when the brood is hatched,
the drake becomes the teacher to the
young. Not in swimming, for that
comes naturally, but in diving, which
is means of fight as well as for find
ing food. The little duck, coming in
to life above water, hesitates to risk it
by going under, nor will he follow tho
oft-repeated example of his parents.
When it becomes necessary to resort
to force, the drake comes quietly near
the unwilling pupil, suddenly throws
wing over him, and dives down. The
little one is let go under the water,
and, coming to the surface unharmed,
even if somewhat startled, he is ready
to start diving on his own account
st, Nicholas.
tav.