210 The Island of

those on its right side being roast, and those
on its left boiled; along the middle of its
back grew a long line of turnips, boiled to
a turn.

As I was observing it, an extraordinary
bird hopped down from a perch in another

 

cage; it had no feathers or down on its body,
which was of the colour of putty. It com-
menced to knead itself with its feet, lying on
its back to do so.

Suddenly it perceived me. “Hullo!” it
called out, “here’s another New Combina-