I. A BIRD SCOUT1
Among those birds of North Queensland jungles which have marked individualistic characters is that known as the koel cuckoo, which the blacks of some localities have named “calloo-calloo”— a mimetic term imitative of the most frequent notes of the bird. The male is lustrous2 black, the female mottled brown, and during most parts of the year both are extremely shy, though noisy enough in accustomed and quiet haunts. The principal note of the male is loud, ringing, and most pleasant, but its vocabulary is fairly extensive. Sometimes it yelps3 loud and long like a puppy complaining of a smart whipping, sometimes in the gloom of the evening it moans and wails4 pitifully like an evil thing tortured mentally and physically6, sometimes it announces the detection of unwelcome intruders upon its haunts with a blending of purr and hiss7.
When “calloo-calloo” comes to the islands, resident blacks look to the flowering of the bean-tree, for the events are coincident; while as they understand all its vocal8 inflections an important secret is often revealed to them by noisy exclamations9. Living in flowerland among the tops of the trees, the bird is favourably11 located for the discovery of snakes, but being strong and lusty there is reason to believe that the presence of slim green and grey arboreal12 species is ignored. The important office that it holds in the domestic economy of the blacks is in the detection of carpet snakes, which to them form an ever welcome article of diet. Thus when “calloo-calloo” shouts “snake” in excited, chattering14 phrases they run off in the hope of being able to find the game, and generally one suffices to rid the bird of a deceitful and implacable enemy and to provide the camp with a substantial meal.
A few months ago a friend who owns a fruitful estate fronting one of the rivers of the mainland, who was not aware of the aptitude15 of the bird, was working with his blacks when “calloo-calloo” gave voice. “That’s one!” exclaimed Dilly Boy, as he rushed into a thick patch of jungle; “he bin16 lookout17 snake!” The boss, concluding that Dilly Boy had merely invented a plausible18 excuse for a spell, smiled to himself when he came back in half an hour wearing an air of philosophic19 disappointment. “That fella snake along a tree; bin lookout; too much leep [leaf]. That calloo-calloo, him sing out proper. Him no more humbug20!”
Huge carpet snakes frequently coil themselves so carefully among parasitic21 ferns and orchids22 in the trees that it is impossible to detect them from below. A couple of days after work was proceeding23 in the same locality when a snake, 12 feet long, was found and killed, but the fact was then not accepted as proof of the theory of the blacks. In the course of a few days the bird again proclaimed “snake,” and all the blacks hastened to the spot to set about a systematic24 search. Applying the detective principle of isolation25 to various parts of the tree in which by general consent (corroborating the evidence of the bird) the snake was concluded to be, the blacks at last decided26 that the only possible place of concealment27 was a mass of elk’s-horn fern encircling the trunk about 40 feet from the ground. One of them thereupon climbed the tree, and soon a carpet snake, 14 feet 6 inches long and 12 inches in girth, was writhing28 on the ground. It is well known that these snakes are frequently found in pairs, and no doubt the “calloo-calloo” had signified the presence of the mate on the occasion of the first alarm.
Other instances of the shrewdness of the bird and its care for the wellbeing of the order generally by detecting and proclaiming the presence of the universal enemy might be cited. One authority asserts that the bird and the snake are nearly always found together, and seems to imply that a friendship exists between them, for the bird is referred to as a “messmate” of the snake. “The bird,” he writes, “flies over the snake with a ‘clucky’ chirp29, and whenever the natives hear it in the dense30 scrubs they sneak31 in to discover the reptile32, which is caught by being grabbed at the back of the head.”
In heralding33 the flower of the bean-tree, and thus awakening34 thoughts of the beans, and in indicating snakes (both desirable and indeed essential articles of food), the “calloo-calloo” performs such valuable service that it is highly commended. Those who are familiar with the unreflective omnivority of the blacks and their indelicate appetites generally, may with difficulty credit the fact that in those districts in which the bird is recognised as a trustworthy guide it is honoured, and under no circumstances will they kill it. Of course, the blacks of North Queensland in native worth have not much art in the killing35 of birds, but in every case “calloo-calloo” is tabu.
One instance may be quoted. A great outcry was heard on the edge of the jungle, and upon investigation36 a grey falcon37 and a “calloo-calloo” were found in such preoccupied38 “holts” that both were captured. Here was an opportunity for a meal. The birds were parted, and the falcon given over to the custody39 of a gin for execution, while the “calloo-calloo,” which was dazed, was petted and revived until it at last flew away with a glad call, the blacks assuring a witness, “B’mbi that fella look out snake belong me fella!”
II. DO BIRDS PLAY?
A somewhat too rigorous critic of the antics of birds has expressed the opinion that playfulness is unknown among them, that their occasional friskiness40 is not an exhibition of lightness of heart, but merely a martial41 exercise. The corroboree of native companions (ANTIGONE AUSTRALASIANA) may certainly be the practice of a defensive42 manoeuvre43, though it has the appearance of a graceful44 dance. A partially45 disabled bird will pirouette on tiptoes and flap its wings wildly in the face of its foe46, and it is reasonable to imagine that the great birds in community would keep themselves well trained in their particular methods of self-defence.
A flock of dotterels bobbing, bowing, skipping, and shouldering one another may be merely practising some evolution with serious intent, though it is far more natural to conclude that the frail47 little birds are in holiday humour. For all their exercises, they have but one resort in the presence of a superior foe or an alert single enemy, and that is in hasty and inconsiderate flight.
From my own experience may be drawn48 proof of the contention49 that birds do practise defensive and offensive tactics, and also that they have their moments of unreflecting play.
The cassowary (CASUARIUS AUSTRALIS) is a skilful50 fighter. It hits out with such force and precision that a weaponless man who stands before the bird when it is angry and vicious is ridiculously overmatched. The great bird is so quick that you do not realise that it has got its blow in first until you see the blood flow. It strikes with its middle toe, and that toe is a lance, keen if not bright. How does the regal bird of the jungles of North Queensland acquire this lightning-like stroke? The answer is, by constant and intelligent practice while young. A year or two ago I had frequent opportunities for observing a pair of young cassowaries patiently, yet playfully, performing martial exercises. They were about the size of a full grown bustard (say, 28 lb. weight); but if their bulk had been in ratio to their lightheartedness and playfulness, they would have loomed51 large as bullocks.
Their favourite spot was round and about a stout52 post about three feet high, the ground encircling which had been beaten down by constant use to polished smoothness. That the ruling passion of the young birds during their idle hours was determination to acquire skill and alertness there can be no doubt. Invariably the game began in a particular way. One of the pair striding round the post — apparently53 oblivious54 of its existence — would lurch55 against it as a man inspired with rum might treat a lamp-post intent on getting in his way. Leering at the post for a second, the bird would march round again to shoulder it roughly a second time. Then a queer look of simulated petulance56 and indignation would spread over its features, and, taking in its measure, the bird would lash57 out at the post with grim earnestness. A cyclonic58 attack ensued. With many feints and huddling59 up of its neck, and dodges60, and ducks, and lateral61 movements of the head quick as thought, the post was chastised62 for its insolence63 and stolid64 stupidity. It seemed to be hit in several places at one and the same moment. Its features bore ever increasing scores and furrows65, for it was used for hours every day as a punching-ball.
When one bird grew tired the other imitated most laughably the antics of its brother, first ignoring the presence of the post, and then, having lurched dreamily against it, assaulting it with unrestrained fury. Play and significant offensive tactics were undoubtedly66 blended in the pastimes of the cassowary.
Before the boldest of these birds grew to maturity67 it became such an expert boxer68 and so pugnacious69 and truculent70 that it was declared unfit to be at large, and as the State offered no secure asylum71 the death penalty was pronounced and duly carried into effect. By good luck I happened along before all the roast leg had been disposed of, and in spite of testimony72 to the contrary have pleasure in declaring that, notwithstanding the heroic training to which the youthful bird had subjected itself, the flesh was as tender and as gamey as that of a young plain turkey.
The other case in point may be briefly73 cited. While yet young there came into our possession a magpie74 (GYMNORHINA TIBICEN), to which as soon as it was fit for responsibilities full liberty was cheerfully granted. Breakfast, several tiffens, lunches, and afternoon snacks, and a full evening’s dinner was provided. The dish of scraps75 was always available. At will the pet flew in and out of the kitchen, and if by chance food was not spread out at the accustomed place it protested loudly, and always effectively. Although a large quantity of food was self-earned, there was always a substantial meal in reserve.
The bird spent many wayward hours endeavouring to sing. No cultured relative was present to teach the notes of its kind, so that in default it learned the complete vocabulary of the domestic poultry76, besides the more familiar calls and exclamations of its mistress, the varied77 barks of two dogs, the shrieks78 of many cockatoos, the gabble of scrub fowls80.
The bird also began to play in semi-human style, performing marvellous acrobatic feats81 on the clothes-line, and lying on its back juggling82 with a twig83 as some “artists” do with a barrel in the circus. A white-eared flycatcher took up its abode84 near the house, and the magpie, after a decent lapse85 of time, admitted the stranger to its companionship. The wild, larderless bird, however, had little time to play. All its wit and energies were devoted86 to the serious business of life. It knew none of the games that the magpie invented save one, and that was a kind of aerial “peep-bo” to which the brainier bird lured87 it by means of a prize.
The magpie found a moth88, big of abdomen89, fat, and brown, a tempting90 morsel91 to any insectivorous bird. Envious92 of the dainty, the wagtail fluttered and skipped about the magpie with cheerful chatter13; but the fluttering moth, daintily held by the extremity93 of its body, was alternately presented and denied. They danced about a bush, the magpie tantalisingly holding the moth for acceptance and hopping94 off as the wagtail was about to snatch it. To the tame bird, fortified95 by knowledge that its meals were provided, it was all fun. To the hungry wild one the moth dangled96 temptingly before it and whipped disappointingly away was a meal almost to be fought for. It was a game equally sincere but of varied interest. The one assumed a whimsical air, chuckling97 in encouraging tones; the other took it all in earnest.
At last, unable to restrain an exclamation10 of delight, the magpie unwarily slackened its hold, and the moth fluttered off to be snapped up on the instant by the wild bird and gulped98 without ceremony. After this the game was frequently played, but the magpie had invariably to make it worth the while of the wagtail by offering a prize in the shape of some tit-bit.
Do not these cases support the theories that birds sharpen their faculties99 by the exercise of defensive and offensive tactics, and also that they do indulge in irresponsible play?
III. BIRDS WHICH HAVE REASONED
If one begins to reflect upon the mental attributes of inferior animals, how aptly is evidence in support of a favourite theory presented? Are the actions of birds due to automatic impulses or hereditary100 traits? Is instinct merely “lapsed intelligence,” or do birds actually reflect? Are they capable of applying the results of habit and observations in respect of one set of circumstances to other and different conditions? John Burroughs expresses the opinion that birds have perceptions, but not conceptions; that they recognise a certain fact, but are incapable101 of applying the fact to another case. I am almost convinced that some birds are capable of logical actions under circumstances absolutely new to them, and as a bright and shining affirmation quote “Baal Burra.”
Beautiful in appearance, for it was what is generally known as a blue mountain parrot (red-collared lorikeet), its cleverness and affectionate nature were far more engaging than all the gay feathers. It came as the gift of a human derelict, who knew how to gain the confidence of dumb creatures, though society made of him an Ishmaelite. Vivacious102, noisy, loving the nectar of flowers and the juices of fruits, Baal Burra was phenomenal in many winsome103 ways, but in a spirit of rare self denial I refrain from the pleasure of chronicling some of them in order to give place to instance and proof of the reasoning powers of an astonishingly high order.
Are apologies to be offered, too, for the homeliness104 of the example — its unrelieved domesticity? I must begin at the very beginning lest some necessary point be lost, and the beginning is porridge! A small portion was invariably left for Baal Burra. On the morning of this strange history a miniature lagoon105, irregular in shape, of porridge and milk had settled in the very centre of the dry desert of plate. In response to customary summons to breakfast, Baal Burra skipped along the veranda106. It was a daily incident, and no one took particular notice until unusual exclamations on the part of the bird denoted something extraordinary. By circumnavigating the plate and at the same time stretching its neck to the utmost it had contrived107 to convert the shapeless lagoon into a perfectly108 symmetrical pond just out of the reach of the stubby tongue. Hence the scolding. Three witnesses — each ardently109 on the side of the bird — watched intently. Decently mannered, it refused to clamber on to the edge of the plate, for it was ever averse110 from defilement111 of food. The tit-bit was just beyond avaricious112 exertions113 — just at that tantalising distance and just so irresistibly115 desirable as might be directly stimulative116 of original enterprise towards acquirement.
The chatter and abuse continued for a couple of minutes. Then the bird stood still while seeming to reflect, with wise head askew117 after the manner of other thinkers. Hurrying, to its playthings — which happened to be at the far end of the veranda — it selected a matchbox, dragged it clatteringly along, ranged it precisely118 close to the plate, mounted it, and from the extra elevation119 sipped120 the last drop with a chuckle121 of content. That the bird on deliberation conceived the scheme for over-reaching the coveted122 food I have not the slightest doubt.
Baal Burra bestowed123 frank friendship on a fat, good-humoured, yellow cat, fond of luxury and ease during the day, a “rake-helly” prowler at night. Into Sultan’s fur Baal Burra would burrow124, not without occasional result, if the upbraiding125 tongue was to be believed. Baal Burra would fill its lower mandible with water from a drinking dish and tip it neatly126 into the cat’s ear, and scream with delight as Sultan shook his sleepy head. To dip the tip of the cat’s tail into the water and mimic127 the scrubbing of the floor was an everyday pastime. In addition to being an engineer and a comedian128 the bird was also a high tragedian. In the cool of the evening upon the going down of the sun the cat and the bird would set out together to the accustomed stage. Baal Burra burrowing129 through the long grass, painfully slow and cheeping plaintively130, while Sultan stalked ahead mewing encouragingly. The tragedy, which was in one act, was repeated so often that each became confidently proficient131, while the setting — free from the constraints132 of space — helped towards that degree of deception133 which is the highest form of art. Often we feared lest Sultan, carried away by enrapt enthusiasm, would unwittingly sustain his part even to the lamentable134 though natural DéNOUEMENT. Baal Burra was, of’ course, the engaging and guileless victim, while Sultan, with triumphant135 realism, rehearsed a scene ruthlessly materialised elsewhere.
Climbing into a low-growing bush, Baal Burra would become preoccupied, innocently absorbed in an inspection136 of the young shoots and tender leaves which it seemed to caress137. Assuming a ferocious138 mien139, Sultan approached soliloquising, no doubt, “Ah, here is another silly wild-fowl79! Come, let me indulge my bloodthirstiness!” His eyes glittered as he crouched140, his tail thickened and swayed, his ears were depressed141, his whiskers and nose twitched142, his jaws143 worked, his claws were unsheathed and sheathed144 spasmodically as he crept stealthily towards the apparently unconscious bird. After two or three preliminary feints for the perfect adjustment of his faculties and pose, he bounded into the air with distended145 talons146 well over his screeching147 playmate. The scene would be rehearsed several times before Sultan, tired of mummery and eager for actualities, slunk yawling into the bush, while Baal Burra, whimpering in the dusk, waddled148 home to be caged.
Towards the further justification149 of the argument two cases in which scrub fowl (MEGAPODIUS DUPERREYI TUMULUS) are concerned may be cited. Being a previously150 recorded fact, the first is excusable only on the grounds of its applicability to a debatable point.
1. On a remote spot in a very rough and rugged151 locality, hemmed152 in by immense blocks of granite153, is a large incubating mound154. Save at one point it is encompassed155 by rocks, but the opening does not grant facilities for the accumulation of vegetable debris156, yet the mound continually increases in dimensions. At first glance there seems no means by which such a large heap could have been accumulated for the birds do not carry their materials, but kick and scratch them to the site. A hasty survey shows that the birds have taken advantage of the junction157 of two impending158 rocks which form a fortuitous shoot down which to send the rubbish with the least possible exertion114 on their part. The shoot is always in use, for the efficacy of the mound depends upon the heat generated by actually decaying vegetation. Did the birds think out this simple labour-saving method before deciding on the site for the mound, or was it a gracious afterthought — one of those automatic impulses by which Nature confronts difficulties?
2. As I wandered on the hilltops far from home I was astonished when Tom, the cutest of black boys, dropped on his knees to investigate a crevice159 between two horizontal slabs160 of granite filled with dead leaves and loam161. The spot, bare of grass, was about twenty yards from the edge of a fairly thick, low-growing scrub where scrub fowls are plentiful162. I was inclined to smile when he said, “Might be hegg belonga scrub hen sit down!” He scooped163 out some of the rubbish — the crevice was so narrow that it barely admitted his arm — and finally dug a hole with his fingers fully5 fourteen inches deep, revealing an egg, pink with freshness.
A more unlikely spot for a scrub fowl to lay, could hardly be imagined. There was no mound, the crevice being merely filled flush, and the vegetable rubbish packed between the flat rocks did not appear to be sufficient in quantity to generate in its decay the temperature necessary to bring about incubation. Yet the egg was warm, and upon reflecting that the sun’s rays keep the granite slabs in the locality hot during the day, so hot, indeed, that there is no sitting down on them with comfort, I perceived that here was evidence on which to maintain an argument of rare sagacity on the part of the bird, and that the hypothesis might be thus stated: This cool-footed cultivator of the jungle floor had during the casual rambling164 on sunlit spaces become conscious of the heat of the rocks. Being impressed, she surveyed the locality, and of her deliberate purpose selected a spot for the completion of her next ensuing maternal165 duties which, while it scandalised the traditions of her tribe, presented unrealised facilities.
This was a natural incubator, certainly, but superior to those in common use in that the solar heat stored by the stone during the day rendered superfluous166 any large accumulation of vegetable matter. Surely it is but a short and easy step from the perception of solar heat to the conception that such heat would assist in the incubation of eggs. None but a mound-builder who, of course, must have general knowledge on the subject of temperatures and the maintenance thereof, could conceive that these heated rocks would obviate167 the labour of raking together a mass of rubbish. Further, her inherent perception that moist heat due to the fermentation was vital towards the fulfilment of her hopes of posterity168 would avert169 the blunder of trusting to the dry rocks alone. The hot rocks and a small quantity of decaying leaves stood in her case for a huge mound, innocent of extraneous170 heat. Having, therefore more time to scratch for her living, she would naturally become a more robust171 bird, more attractive to the males, and the better qualified172 to transmit her exceptional mental qualities to her more numerous offspring.
These are the bare facts. Let those who believe that birds are capable of taking the step from the fact to the principle continue the trains of thought into which they inevitably173 lead. Will this particular scrub fowl by force of her accidental discovery start a revolutionary change in the life-history of mound-builders generally? Or will the bird ——? But there are the facts to conjure174 or to play with.
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1
scout
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| n.童子军，侦察员；v.侦察，搜索 | |
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lustrous
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| adj.有光泽的；光辉的 | |
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yelps
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| n.（因痛苦、气愤、兴奋等的）短而尖的叫声( yelp的名词复数 )v.发出短而尖的叫声( yelp的第三人称单数 ) | |
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wails
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| 痛哭，哭声( wail的名词复数 ) | |
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fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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physically
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| adj.物质上，体格上，身体上，按自然规律 | |
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7
hiss
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| v.发出嘶嘶声；发嘘声表示不满 | |
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vocal
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| adj.直言不讳的；嗓音的；n.[pl.]声乐节目 | |
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exclamations
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| n.呼喊( exclamation的名词复数 )；感叹；感叹语；感叹词 | |
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exclamation
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| n.感叹号，惊呼，惊叹词 | |
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favourably
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| adv. 善意地，赞成地 =favorably | |
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arboreal
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| adj.树栖的；树的 | |
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chatter
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| vi.／n.喋喋不休；短促尖叫；(牙齿)打战 | |
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14
chattering
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| n. （机器振动发出的）咔嗒声，(鸟等)鸣，啁啾 adj. 喋喋不休的，啾啾声的 动词chatter的现在分词形式 | |
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15
aptitude
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| n.(学习方面的)才能，资质，天资 | |
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bin
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| n.箱柜；vt.放入箱内；[计算机] DOS文件名:二进制目标文件 | |
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lookout
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| n.注意，前途，瞭望台 | |
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plausible
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| adj.似真实的，似乎有理的，似乎可信的 | |
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philosophic
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| adj.哲学的，贤明的 | |
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humbug
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| n.花招，谎话，欺骗 | |
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parasitic
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| adj.寄生的 | |
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orchids
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| n.兰花( orchid的名词复数 ) | |
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proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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systematic
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| adj.有系统的，有计划的，有方法的 | |
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isolation
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| n.隔离，孤立，分解，分离 | |
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decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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concealment
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| n.隐藏, 掩盖，隐瞒 | |
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writhing
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| （因极度痛苦而）扭动或翻滚( writhe的现在分词 ) | |
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chirp
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| v.(尤指鸟)唧唧喳喳的叫 | |
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dense
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| a.密集的，稠密的，浓密的；密度大的 | |
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sneak
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| vt.潜行(隐藏,填石缝)；偷偷摸摸做；n.潜行；adj.暗中进行 | |
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reptile
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| n.爬行动物；两栖动物 | |
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heralding
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| v.预示( herald的现在分词 )；宣布（好或重要） | |
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awakening
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| n.觉醒，醒悟 adj.觉醒中的；唤醒的 | |
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killing
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| n.巨额利润；突然赚大钱，发大财 | |
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investigation
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| n.调查，调查研究 | |
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falcon
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| n.隼，猎鹰 | |
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preoccupied
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| adj.全神贯注的，入神的；被抢先占有的；心事重重的v.占据（某人）思想，使对…全神贯注，使专心于( preoccupy的过去式) | |
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custody
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| n.监护，照看，羁押，拘留 | |
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friskiness
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| n.活泼，闹着玩 | |
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41
martial
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| adj.战争的，军事的，尚武的，威武的 | |
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defensive
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| adj.防御的；防卫的；防守的 | |
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43
manoeuvre
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| n.策略，调动；v.用策略，调动 | |
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44
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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45
partially
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| adv.部分地，从某些方面讲 | |
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46
foe
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| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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47
frail
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| adj.身体虚弱的；易损坏的 | |
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48
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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49
contention
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| n.争论，争辩，论战；论点，主张 | |
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50
skilful
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| (=skillful)adj.灵巧的，熟练的 | |
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51
loomed
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| v.隐约出现，阴森地逼近( loom的过去式和过去分词 )；隐约出现，阴森地逼近 | |
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53
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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54
oblivious
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| adj.易忘的，遗忘的，忘却的，健忘的 | |
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55
lurch
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| n.突然向前或旁边倒；v.蹒跚而行 | |
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56
petulance
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| n.发脾气，生气，易怒，暴躁，性急 | |
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57
lash
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| v.系牢；鞭打；猛烈抨击；n.鞭打；眼睫毛 | |
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58
cyclonic
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| adj.气旋的，飓风的 | |
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59
huddling
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| n. 杂乱一团, 混乱, 拥挤 v. 推挤, 乱堆, 草率了事 | |
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60
dodges
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| n.闪躲( dodge的名词复数 )；躲避；伎俩；妙计v.闪躲( dodge的第三人称单数 )；回避 | |
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61
lateral
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| adj.侧面的，旁边的 | |
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62
chastised
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| v.严惩（某人）（尤指责打）( chastise的过去式 ) | |
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63
insolence
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| n.傲慢；无礼；厚颜；傲慢的态度 | |
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64
stolid
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| adj.无动于衷的，感情麻木的 | |
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65
furrows
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| n.犁沟( furrow的名词复数 )；（脸上的）皱纹v.犁田，开沟( furrow的第三人称单数 ) | |
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66
undoubtedly
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| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
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67
maturity
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| n.成熟；完成；(支票、债券等)到期 | |
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68
boxer
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| n.制箱者，拳击手 | |
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69
pugnacious
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| adj.好斗的 | |
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70
truculent
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| adj.野蛮的，粗野的 | |
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71
asylum
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| n.避难所，庇护所，避难 | |
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72
testimony
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| n.证词；见证，证明 | |
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73
briefly
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| adv.简单地，简短地 | |
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74
magpie
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| n.喜欢收藏物品的人，喜鹊，饶舌者 | |
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75
scraps
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| 油渣 | |
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76
poultry
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| n.家禽，禽肉 | |
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77
varied
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| adj.多样的，多变化的 | |
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78
shrieks
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| n.尖叫声( shriek的名词复数 )v.尖叫( shriek的第三人称单数 ) | |
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79
fowl
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| n.家禽，鸡，禽肉 | |
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80
fowls
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| 鸟( fowl的名词复数 )； 禽肉； 既不是这； 非驴非马 | |
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81
feats
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| 功绩，伟业，技艺( feat的名词复数 ) | |
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82
juggling
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| n. 欺骗, 杂耍(=jugglery) adj. 欺骗的, 欺诈的 动词juggle的现在分词 | |
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83
twig
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| n.小树枝，嫩枝；v.理解 | |
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84
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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85
lapse
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| n.过失，流逝，失效，抛弃信仰，间隔；vi.堕落，停止，失效，流逝；vt.使失效 | |
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86
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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87
lured
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| 吸引，引诱（lure的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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88
moth
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| n.蛾，蛀虫 | |
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89
abdomen
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| n.腹，下腹(胸部到腿部的部分) | |
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90
tempting
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| a.诱人的, 吸引人的 | |
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91
morsel
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| n.一口，一点点 | |
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92
envious
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| adj.嫉妒的，羡慕的 | |
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93
extremity
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| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
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94
hopping
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| n. 跳跃 动词hop的现在分词形式 | |
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95
fortified
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| adj. 加强的 | |
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96
dangled
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| 悬吊着( dangle的过去式和过去分词 )； 摆动不定； 用某事物诱惑…； 吊胃口 | |
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97
chuckling
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| 轻声地笑( chuckle的现在分词 ) | |
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98
gulped
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| v.狼吞虎咽地吃，吞咽( gulp的过去式和过去分词 )；大口地吸（气）；哽住 | |
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99
faculties
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| n.能力( faculty的名词复数 )；全体教职员；技巧；院 | |
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100
hereditary
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| adj.遗传的，遗传性的，可继承的，世袭的 | |
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101
incapable
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| adj.无能力的，不能做某事的 | |
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102
vivacious
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| adj.活泼的，快活的 | |
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103
winsome
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| n.迷人的，漂亮的 | |
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104
homeliness
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| n.简朴，朴实；相貌平平 | |
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105
lagoon
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| n.泻湖，咸水湖 | |
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106
veranda
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| n.走廊；阳台 | |
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107
contrived
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| adj.不自然的，做作的；虚构的 | |
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108
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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109
ardently
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| adv.热心地，热烈地 | |
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110
averse
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| adj.厌恶的；反对的，不乐意的 | |
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111
defilement
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| n.弄脏，污辱，污秽 | |
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112
avaricious
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| adj.贪婪的，贪心的 | |
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113
exertions
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| n.努力( exertion的名词复数 )；费力；（能力、权力等的）运用；行使 | |
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114
exertion
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| n.尽力，努力 | |
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115
irresistibly
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| adv.无法抵抗地，不能自持地；极为诱惑人地 | |
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116
stimulative
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| n.刺激，促进因素adj.刺激的，激励的，促进的 | |
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117
askew
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| adv.斜地；adj.歪斜的 | |
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118
precisely
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| adv.恰好，正好，精确地，细致地 | |
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119
elevation
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| n.高度；海拔；高地；上升；提高 | |
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120
sipped
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| v.小口喝，呷，抿( sip的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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121
chuckle
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| vi.／n.轻声笑，咯咯笑 | |
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122
coveted
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| adj.令人垂涎的；垂涎的，梦寐以求的v.贪求，觊觎(covet的过去分词)；垂涎；贪图 | |
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123
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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124
burrow
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| vt.挖掘(洞穴)；钻进；vi.挖洞；翻寻；n.地洞 | |
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125
upbraiding
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| adj.& n.谴责（的）v.责备，申斥，谴责( upbraid的现在分词 ) | |
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126
neatly
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| adv.整洁地，干净地，灵巧地，熟练地 | |
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127
mimic
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| v.模仿，戏弄；n.模仿他人言行的人 | |
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128
comedian
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| n.喜剧演员；滑稽演员 | |
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129
burrowing
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| v.挖掘（洞穴），挖洞( burrow的现在分词 )；翻寻 | |
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130
plaintively
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| adv.悲哀地，哀怨地 | |
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131
proficient
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| adj.熟练的，精通的；n.能手，专家 | |
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132
constraints
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| 强制( constraint的名词复数 )； 限制； 约束 | |
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133
deception
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| n.欺骗，欺诈；骗局，诡计 | |
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134
lamentable
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| adj.令人惋惜的，悔恨的 | |
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135
triumphant
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| adj.胜利的，成功的；狂欢的，喜悦的 | |
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136
inspection
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| n.检查，审查，检阅 | |
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137
caress
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| vt./n.爱抚，抚摸 | |
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138
ferocious
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| adj.凶猛的，残暴的，极度的，十分强烈的 | |
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139
mien
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| n.风采；态度 | |
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140
crouched
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| v.屈膝，蹲伏( crouch的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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141
depressed
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| adj.沮丧的，抑郁的，不景气的，萧条的 | |
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142
twitched
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| vt.& vi.（使）抽动，（使）颤动（twitch的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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143
jaws
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| n.口部；嘴 | |
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144
sheathed
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| adj.雕塑像下半身包在鞘中的；覆盖的；铠装的；装鞘了的v.将（刀、剑等）插入鞘( sheathe的过去式和过去分词 )；包，覆盖 | |
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145
distended
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| v.（使）膨胀，肿胀( distend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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146
talons
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| n.（尤指猛禽的）爪( talon的名词复数 )；（如爪般的）手指；爪状物；锁簧尖状突出部 | |
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147
screeching
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| v.发出尖叫声( screech的现在分词 )；发出粗而刺耳的声音；高叫 | |
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148
waddled
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| v.（像鸭子一样）摇摇摆摆地走( waddle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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149
justification
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| n.正当的理由；辩解的理由 | |
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150
previously
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| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
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151
rugged
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| adj.高低不平的，粗糙的，粗壮的，强健的 | |
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152
hemmed
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| 缝…的褶边( hem的过去式和过去分词 )； 包围 | |
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153
granite
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| adj.花岗岩，花岗石 | |
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154
mound
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| n.土墩，堤，小山；v.筑堤，用土堆防卫 | |
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155
encompassed
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| v.围绕( encompass的过去式和过去分词 )；包围；包含；包括 | |
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156
debris
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| n.瓦砾堆，废墟，碎片 | |
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157
junction
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| n.连接，接合；交叉点，接合处，枢纽站 | |
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158
impending
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| a.imminent, about to come or happen | |
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159
crevice
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| n.(岩石、墙等)裂缝；缺口 | |
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160
slabs
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| n.厚板，平板，厚片( slab的名词复数 )；厚胶片 | |
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161
loam
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| n.沃土 | |
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162
plentiful
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| adj.富裕的，丰富的 | |
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163
scooped
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| v.抢先报道( scoop的过去式和过去分词 )；（敏捷地）抱起；抢先获得；用铲[勺]等挖（洞等） | |
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164
rambling
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| adj.[建]凌乱的，杂乱的 | |
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165
maternal
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| adj.母亲的，母亲般的，母系的，母方的 | |
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166
superfluous
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| adj.过多的，过剩的，多余的 | |
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167
obviate
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| v.除去，排除，避免，预防 | |
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168
posterity
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| n.后裔，子孙，后代 | |
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169
avert
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| v.防止，避免；转移(目光、注意力等) | |
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170
extraneous
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| adj.体外的；外来的；外部的 | |
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171
robust
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| adj.强壮的，强健的，粗野的，需要体力的，浓的 | |
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172
qualified
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| adj.合格的，有资格的，胜任的，有限制的 | |
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173
inevitably
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| adv.不可避免地；必然发生地 | |
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174
conjure
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| v.恳求，祈求；变魔术，变戏法 | |
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