In these holes the eggs are deposited on the bare earth. The general time of sitting is in October ; but some of the species, especially in the colder parts, do not sit till December, or even January. How long they sit is not known.
Aptenodytes magellanica, inhabits the Straits of Magellan, Staaten Land, Terra del Fuego, and the Falkland isles ; is a very numerous species, and is often seen by thousands, retiring by night to the highest parts of the islands. Its voice is not much unlike the braying of an ass. It is not a timid bird, for it will scarcely get out of the way of any one ; but will rather attack and bite a person by the legs. They were killed by hundreds by the crews of Captain Cooke's expedition, and were found not unpalatable food. They often mix with the sea-wolves, among the rushes, burrowing in holes like a fox. When they swim, only the neck and shoulders appear out of the water, and they advance with such agility, that no fish seems able to follow them ; if they meet with any obstacle, they leap four or five feet out of the water; and dipping into it again continue their rout. It is suppos ed by Latham that Penrose alludes to this species, of which, he says the chief curi osity is the laying their eggs ; this they do in collective bodies, resorting in in credible numbers to certain spots, which their long residence has freed from grass, and to which were given the name of towns. The eggs are rather larger than
those of a goose, and are laid in pairs. They lay some time in November, driving away the albatrosses, which have hatched their young in turn before them.
Aptenodytes patachonica.. This is the largest ofthe genusyet known, being four feet three inches in length ; and stands erect at least three feet ; the weight pounds. This species was first met with in Falkland Islands, and has also been seen in Kergnelen's Land, New Georgia, and New Guinea. M. Bougainville caughtone which soon became so tame as to follow and know the person who had care of it; it fed on flesh, fish, and bread, but after a time grew lean, pined away, and died. The chief food, when at large, is,thought to be fish; the remains of which, as well as crabs, shell-fish, and molluscs, were found in the stomach. This species is the fattest of the tribe ; most so in January, when they moult. Supposed to lay and sit in October. Are met with in the most deserted places. Their flesh is black, though not very unpalatable. This has been considered as a solitary species, but has now and then been met with in con siderable flocks. They are found in the same places as the paptian penguins and not unfrequently mixed with them ; biut in general show a disposition of associating with their own species. See Plate III. Aves. fig. 6.