"You have made a correct observation. Some species of the hornbill have feathers which project up into the air like sentinels, and the same feathers are used in exactly the same fashion by makers of millinery. Now, I am not an authority on the fashions, but I have often thought that if the leaders in styles would build those wonderful head decorations something like the patterns furnished by nature they would be more beautiful and becoming."
"I wonder if it has only one leg?"
John laughed. "I imagine it has two. It is the custom of many birds of this species to stand for hours on one leg. It is of the same family as the stork, the heron and the ibis."
"Why don't we see more animals?"
"The island is not, probably, large enough. These small islands have only the smallest kinds. Besides, the larger animals are found where the nature of the country permits them to conceal themselves."
George stopped before a large bush which had rows of yellow flowers growing up all along the stems, and at each flower was a seed.
"Ah! you have found a most valuable plant," said John, as he broke off one of the stems. "Feel the crushed leaves."