Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1902-05-08
Oddities Of the Arctics.

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 deposit OF fine
dust particles. In this season the
animals wear their darker clothing,
and birds have, by way of change, a
less gaudy plumage. The background
against which they stand would be-
tray 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 graft
fly natural vanity by putting on, for
time at least, another coat.
In winter, white ia 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 a
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 ap-
preaching his doing prey.
The seal does not stop his search
for food until he has completely salts
fed his excellent appetite; then he
takes a 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 di-
rection, he rolls into the water. de
can stay under 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 lee
ward side Of the seal, having hls black
nose covered with his paw and his
bioodshot eyes closed, when the seal
has his open and on the watch, he
looks about for a favorable point OF
derarture, dives under the ice, and II
he rightly Judges the distance and di-
rection, he comes up at ths very spot
where the seal had expected to 60
down. The seals fate is thus settled
and the bears shrewdness 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 take the down, she will de-
spoil herself for the second time, not
calling upon the selfish drake until
she has literally stripped herself. The
drake is declared to be strict in keep
ing his mate to her duties, insisting
that she shall attend to the work o.
Matching. If the duck ventures up
on walk, he does not offer to tak'
her place while she goes gadding about
but perhaps knowing she is to fondc
of idleness, cruelty drives her bac!
to her household duty. The duel
lays only FIVE eggs, and if she feel
that her nest is large enough ant
warm enough to hold more, she boldly
robs her neighbors, carrying the eggs
one at a time, under her wing, unit
she has seven or eight.
However, when the brood is hatcheC
the drake becomes the teacher to tn
young. Net in swimming, for tina
comes naturally, but in diving, which
is means of flight as well as for find
ing food. The little duck, coming in
to life above water, hesitates to risl
it by going under, nor will he follow
the oft-rspeated example of his pa
rents. When it becomes necessary t
resort to force, the drake comes quietl.
near the unwilling pupil, suddenl..
throws a wing over him, and dive
down. The little one is let go unde
the water, and coming to the surfac
unharmed, even if somewhat startled
be is ready to start diving on his Owl
account.