Wanderings in New South Wales, Batavia, Pedir Coast, Singapore, and China, Vol. 2 (of 2) : $b Being the journal of a naturalist in those countries, during 1832, 1833 and 1834Bennett, George
History
Wanderings in New South Wales, Batavia, Pedir Coast, Singapore, and China, Vol. 2 (of 2) : $b Being the journal of a naturalist in those countries, during 1832, 1833 and 1834
Bennett, George
Asia -- Description and travel; Natural history -- Australia -- New South Wales; New South Wales -- Description and travel
On the 8th of April we were in latitude 31° 34′ north, longitude 41° 27′
west. It has been remarked, during the time the Crowned pigeons have been
on board the ship, that they do not eat for five days, or a week, and
then recommence eating so much, that the man attending on the poultry can
hardly supply them with sufficient: they continue thus to eat for the
space of a fortnight, or more, and then cease for a certain period, as
I have just before observed. At first this was supposed very naturally
to proceed from illness; subsequent observation, however, decided that
it did not originate in such a cause. They have not now eaten for three
days, the paddy placed in their trough still remaining untouched. The
birds have a healthy appearance in plumage and general looks, and are in
as excellent, if not better condition, than when they first came on board
the ship at Singapore. Paddy is the only food given them, as they prefer
it to all other kinds of grain that have been tried.
I am not aware of the differences of plumage in the males and females of
these birds, but am inclined to consider these male and female birds,
from one running after the other in sportive wooing, and the mournful,
cooing noise, proceeding from only one of them. They are shy and timid,
fluttering about very much when any one comes near, or attempts to touch
them; they even show this shyness towards the man who is accustomed daily
to supply them with food.
_April 16th._—During the late prevailing strong breezes and gales, with
damp and rainy weather, the birds have appeared well, only occasionally
fluttering by the heavy lurches of the vessel: that has been prevented,
for the most part, by bagging being placed underneath their feet. The
range of temperature has not been lower than 55°; medium 60°, and maximum
64°.
_April 18th._—The pigeons, although they have their feathers ruffled, and
mope, from the change of temperature and wet weather, do not appear to
suffer in health: they move often about the coop, and eat as usual.
_April 23rd._—In latitude 49° 35′ north, longitude 14° 8′ west:
thermometer 53° to 55°. I had the misfortune to lose another of the
Crowned pigeons. Yesterday the bird seemed healthy, the eyes brilliant,
and plumage unruffled; but this morning it was found dead; so sudden
does death occur, without any previous indication being given, among the
feathered tribe.
From the 8th to the 16th of April we had strong westerly winds and gales,
coming on at first, from north-north-west, veering to south-west and
south. On the 16th of April, we were in latitude 44° 34′ north, longitude
25° 00′ west.
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