Air-bladders are not confined to sea weeds; several plants growing in fresh water are similarly provided. Of these, the Jussiæa tenella, found in the rivers of Amboyna, is a remarkable example. Along its stalk are many large oval tubercles, full of air, and each of these is compounded of many others, so that the injury which the plant might sustain from foreign bodies striking against it and breaking the bladders, is obviated.[98]
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.
Early on the morning of the 28th, a swallow (Hirundo rustica, Linn.) was seen flying about the ship; and, having entered one of the stern cabin windows, was readily taken. It appeared quite exhausted, and made no efforts to escape, until, having been confined for a short period of time in one of the cabins, it flew out again on the door being opened, but was soon recaptured. It is probably the straggler of a flock migrating to the northward, as they are usually considered to arrive in England in April or May, earlier or later, according to the mildness of the season.
This bird may be considered to be detained on its passage by easterly winds, similarly to ourselves. It was in an excellent plump condition, although now, no doubt, tired and hungry. The little traveller is preserved alive, and permitted to fly about one of the cabins. It became in a short time after its capture, very tame, perching on the head of the person in whose cabin it had taken refuge, eating food also from the mouth. The following morning, however, it flew away.