Repeated observations and diary records have established August 12th as the beginning of the local “bird season.” About that date two of the most notable birds arrive from the North — the nutmeg pigeon (MYRISTICIVORA SPILORRHOA) and the metallic1 starling (CALORNIS METALLICA). Having spent five months in Papua, Java, Borneo, and the Malay Peninsula, the former revisit the islands for incubating purposes.
Where the metallic starlings spend their retreat I know not; but they return with impetuous haste, as if absence had been disciplinary and not for pleasure. They assemble in glittering throngs3, shrilly4 discussing their plans for the season, without reserve debating important concerns of house and home. Shall the tall Moreton Bay ash in the forest be again occupied and the shabby remnants of old nests designedly destroyed before departure last season be renovated5, or shall a new settlement be established and the massive milkwood-tree overtopping the jungle be selected as a capital site? Discussion is acidulous6 and constant. For days the majority of the burnished7 citizens do little else but talk, while the industrious8 few begin, some to build nests on the sites of the old, others to lay hasty foundations among the leaves of the milkwood. Each faction9 wishes to carry its point, for ever and anon both rejoin the main body and proclaim and testify. Then all adjourn10 to the disputed sites successively and join in frantic11 commotion12 until some sage13 makes an entirely14 original proposition, and off they all go on a flight of inspection15 and abruptly16 end all differences of opinion by favouring a tree which appears to have no distinctive17 merits.
These delightfully18 engaging birds have been known to nest in a particular tree for a quarter of a century, and again they may select a different site every year. Though I have no evidence in confirmation20 of the theory, I am inclined to think that arboreal21 snakes are influential22 in causing changes. Although the domed24 nests must be difficult for even a snake to enter so large a congregation of noisy birds would inevitably25 attract these slim nocturnal marauders.
Moreover, a case may be cited in support of the theory. In a Moreton Bay ash (EUCALYPTUS TESSELARIS), not far from this spot, there nested a pair of white-headed sea eagles, a pair of cockatoos, and a colony of metallic starlings, four or five hundred strong. The memory of man knows not the first settlement of this amicable26 community, which remained until during temporary absence the blacks were suborned to climb the tree to secure the eggs of the eagle. They also helped themselves to a few of the callow starlings. The sea eagles and cockatoos discarded the tree forthwith, and the starlings in a couple of years. And why? Because, in my opinion at least, the eagles had policed the tree, killing27 offhand28 any green or grey snake which had the stupidity to sneak29 among the nests. When the policemen went to another beat the snakes took to frightening the unprotected birds and to the burgling of their nest. This incident caused a revision of the protective laws. They are much more explicit30, and the pains and penalties for the violation31 of them are now absolutely unholy in their truculence32.
During the 1909 season a serious diminution33 was noted34 in the number of metallic starlings and nutmeg pigeons. In the case of the former I am at a loss to account for the cause of the comparatively few visitors — always highly esteemed35 and admired and preserved from interference — except on the theory of the outbreak of an epidemic36 or in the possible fact that they are falling victims to the feminine passion for fine feathers.
The Grouse37 Disease Commission has found a recognised period in the fluctuations38 of the number of those game birds. During a cycle of sixty years there recur39 the good year, the very good year, the record year, the bad disease year, the recovery, the average, and the good average. The round is said to be almost invariable. So may it be with the metallic starling.
With the nutmeg pigeons the case is different. Here we have direct evidence of the desolating40 effects of the interference of man. Congregating41 in large numbers on the islands to nest, and only to nest, these birds offer quite charming sport to men with guns. They are the easiest of all shooting. Big and white, and given to grouping themselves in cloudy patches on favourable42 trees, I have heard of a black boy, with a rusty43 gun, powder, and small stones for shot, filling a flour-sack full during an afternoon. It is, therefore, not strange that men shoot 250 in an hour or so. The strange thing is that “men” boast of such butchery. On the very island where this bag Of 250 was obtained a little black boy, twelve years old, killed four pigeons with a single sweep of a long stick. He did not boast — to his father and mother and himself the four birds represented supper; but in the case of the sportsman it might be asked, how many of the butchered doves went into the all-redeeming pot?
These pigeons are one of the natural features of the coast of North Queensland, in the conservation of which the State and the Commonwealth44 are concerned. It may be contended that the extermination45 of a species represented by such multitudes is impossible. But while the history of the passenger pigeon of North America is extant such argument carries no weight.
When the birds are, so to speak, shot on their nests or sitting in their crowded dormitories a whole season’s natural increase may be discounted by an afternoon’s wretched “sport.” If nutmeg pigeons are to be preserved as one of the attractions and natural features of the coast of North Queensland, extensive sanctuaries46 must be established. Strict prohibition47 might be enforced for a period of, say, five years to enable the colonies to regain48 their population, and thenceforward they might — if the shooting of sitting birds is still deemed to be “sport”— be allowed a “jubilee” every second year.
If the unrestricted molestation49 is permitted, the day is not far distant when indignation will arise and lovers of Nature will ask passionately50 why a unique feature of the coast was allowed to be obliterated51 in blood. True sportsmen would unanimously rejoice in the permanent preservation52 of birds elegant and swift of flight, not very good to eat, and which visit us at a time when inhospitality is a wanton crime.
For this indulgence of my feelings I have, I am aware, laid myself open to censure53. It is foreign to, indeed, quite out of place in, a book which professes55 neither message nor mission. Yet, mayhap, some kindred spirit having influence and judicious56 eloquence57 at command may read these lines. Then the birds need not much longer fear the naughty local man. Long may the dulcet58 islands within the Barrier Reef burst morn and eve into snowy bloom as the pigeons go and come!
So having soothed59 my fretfulness by irresponsible scolding, consigned60 countless61 white pigeons to inviolable sanctuary62 and thereby63 confirmed to perpetuity the charter under which a bustling64 interchange of seeds and the kernels65 of fruit-trees between isle66 and mainland is maintained, I am at liberty to chronicle certain every-day incidents in the establishment of a colony by those other companionable birds, metallic starlings, also under engagement to Nature as distributing agents.
Whereas the bulk of the traffic of the pigeons is with the mainland, that of the metallic starlings is purely67 local, though, perhaps, just as important. The insular68 communities do not venture for their merchandise across the water, and those of the mainland have no dealings with the isles69.
Reference has been made to the disappointment occasioned by the violation of a colony at the instance of a semi-professional egg-snatcher, and of the subsequent abandonment of the tree which had been used as a building site by the birds as far back as the memory of the blacks went.
The tree was in the midst of the forest, and season after season upon the return of the members of the colony they assembled in the vicinity, but never again built in the neighbourhood. Last season, however, the pent-up exasperation70 of years found a certain sort of relief, for a new colony was started in a Moreton Bay ash-tree not a hundred yards away and in full view from my veranda71. There are five other colonies of these socialistic, disputative birds on this Island; but they happen to be in out-of-the-way spots, where continuous detailed72 observation of their habits and customs would be impossible. Hence, when I saw the noisy throng2 gather together discussing the imperious business of nesting, I watched with eager and hopeful anticipation73. About the third day from the first demonstration74 in favour of the particular tree building operations began, and thenceforward daily notes were taken of the doings of the colony. Great pleasure was found in being the spectator of the establishment of a new colony.
In 1908 the earliest arrivals appeared, on August 2nd — eight days before the herald75 of the nutmeg pigeons. The colony the history of which it is proposed to relate was no doubt an offshoot of the first brood of those which had arrived on that date. Circumstances exist which persuade me that the shining Calornis rear two broods during the season. Nutmeg pigeons rear as many as three young successively.
Just about the time the site of the new colony was selected young birds were fairly numerous, so that it seems safe to assume that, expelled from parental76 nests, they determined77 to set up an establishment on their own account forthwith. In their industry they seemed to display the defects and advantages of the quality of youth — enthusiasm, impulsiveness78 and vigour79, inexperience, haste, and irrelevance80.
Let the diary notes tell of the enterprise as scrutinised through the telescope:
Nov. 15. Shining Calornis (all young birds, mottled grey and black with green sheen on back) busy surveying tree (Moreton Bay ash) on plateau to the north.
16. Birds seem inclined to build.
17. Notice that the birds are in pairs; no old, full-plumaged among them.
18. First beginning of nests. About thirty birds. All seem very excited and full of business.
20. Several nests well forward. Other parts of the tree now being occupied.
22. Seventeen nests; some nearly complete
23. Eighteen nests; several apparently81 complete, save for the overhanging entrance. Many quarrels and squabbles in the family, for the nests are in groups and in close quarters.
27. Three new nests, or rather foundations thereof.
Dec. 1. Now 25 nests. Those which appeared to be near completion are still being added to. Many have entrances, so that one of the pair works from inside, placing and threading the materials. Sometimes one sits for a long time with the head protruding82, as if testing the comfort of the nest. Squabbles are frequent. The backs of some betray a lovely green sheen in the sunshine, with rich purple at the base of the neck.
4. After two days’ heavy rain the birds are as busy as ever. Many flirtations. The great want of the colony seems to be insect powder.
5. The tree now is in full flower. I watch the birds making feints at bees and butterflies visiting the blooms but they do not seem to catch insects. Fruit, seeds, and nuts form their diet. The nests, which are composed of tendrils and pliant83 twigs85 elaborately intertwined, are domed, and in size somewhat less than a football.
6. Birds very busy. Most of the nests appear to be fit for habitation. Work is suspended at sundown. They do not roost in the tree. Have not detected their resting-place; but it seems to be some distance in the jungle.
7. Sunset (6.45). The birds disappeared from vicinity of the tree almost immediately, though twilight86 lasted half an hour.
8. Three minutes before sunrise (5.48) birds’ voices heard as they approached trees. They were in three or four companies in a bloodwood-tree, where they flirted87 and fussed and made violent love; then in a trailing mob flew noisily and began work in haste and excitement, one eager bird manipulating a long, slender, partly dry leaf, industriously88 trying to fit it in various spots. Finding its due place, the limp leaf was thrust in among the compact twigs and tendrils. The leaf was seized close to the stalk, which was deftly89 inserted, then it was gripped a trifle farther back and pushed and re-gripped, the process being repeated rapidly until nothing but the tip remained visible.
9. Most of the exterior90 of the nests is now finished. Work continues briskly on the lining91, though the material used therefor does not seem to be different from the bulk. When one of a pair has disappeared inside of the tunnel-like entrance, if the other arrives it clings to the threshold until its mate emerges, and then briskly enters. This evening work was suspended at 6.40 — cloudy. A few butterflies still flitting about the flowers.
10. Another new nest. As with the others, a few tendrils are laid across dependent sprays of leaves, engaging and intertwining them. These represent the foundations upon which the superstructure is partly built, but both sides and dome23 are made to entangle92 other frail93 branches and leaves, so that the nest is supported throughout its various parts. A considerable quantity of material is lost from each nest, owing to the difficulty of contriving94 to make initial tendrils engage the leaves and pedicels. The space for the circular entrance is sketched95 out at quite an early stage. In this colony with few exceptions it faces the south, and is so overhung by a veranda as to be undiscernible except from immediately below.
The situation of the nests on the extremities96 of the outermost97 branches, parts of some being lower than the leaves to which they are attached, is no doubt an illustration of acquired sagacity. Such impetuous birds living in large communities, and thus compounding a savour calculated to attract arboreal snakes, would in the course of nature take precautions. The nests in position and design represent the crystallisation of the wit of the bird in antagonism98 to the wile99 of the snake.
In the morning, fuss, fierce purpose, and hurry are shown. As the afternoon wears on, less and less industry prevails. Work is suspended at 6.45 p.m. when the last of the crowd hastily departed. Before sundown all are spent and weary. Some of the birds begin to darken on the sides of the upper part of the breasts. The purple sheen on the back of the neck is more brilliant. There is a glowing patch, too, at the base of the tail, though the other parts of the back are dingy100 with a green tinge101 in reflected light. The nuptial102 costume is fast becoming, more attractive.
14. Nests were not deserted103 until 7.30 p.m. The last half-dozen birds, alert and anxious, dashed off upon a common impulse noisily. They roost in the jungle adjoining.
15. A more sedate104 condition prevails in the demeanour of the birds, due peradventure to domestic responsibilities. Fewer are about, and they spend leisure moments on the top of or near the nests, while others pop in and out. Are these signs of the beginning of egg-laying?
17. Egg-laying undoubtedly105 begins, though improvements to nests, which seemed to be finished over a week ago, occupy odd moments.
20. Two past days have been dull and showery. Quietude reigns106; a tendril or twig84 is occasionally threaded or poked107 into the nests. The male muses108 on the top of the nest, or closely adjacent thereto. The female pops in and out of apparently cosy109 quarters. Circumstances point to the conclusion that most of the nests contain eggs.
21. Good deal of rain, which bothers the birds. They play about excitedly in one company. Towards evening very few are about. The nests are deserted, though five or six birds in one mob are in a neighbouring tree.
22. Heavy rain and never-ceasing squalls. No sign of the birds, though a few notes of passers-by were heard. Finer evening.
23. Fine and calm. Nests deserted all morning. Late afternoon many returned, though not, I think, the full company. They seem to be inspecting and repairing the nests.
24. Did not see any of the birds.
25. At 3 p.m. several appeared — some entering the nests two at a time, though without customary fuss and excitement.
26. Full company in possession throughout the day. Several (which are assumed to be males) are better plumaged, the breasts being streaked110 with black, and the backs much more lustrous111.
27. Serious business of incubation deprives the colony of customary gaiety and impulsiveness. While the female sits close, the male perches112 on top of the nest, occasionally beguiling113 the time by inconsequent repairs and petty squabbles with next door neighbours. How brilliant are their eyes, especially when they sparkle with spite — flame red and flashing.
28. I am astonished at the sobering effect of pending114 domestic troubles. Is it that the sitting hen is responsible for the great part of the gaiety and impulsiveness, as well as for the quibbles and brawls115 that often disturb the happy family? Whatever the cause, whoever responsible, order and tranquillity116 reign54, each expectant father spending hours demurely117 on his respective nest, a model of staid deportment, though ever ready to resent intrusion on the part of a friend. Portending118 cares sit heavily on the young and inexperienced colonists119.
29. All quiet and industrious. Fancy that the chicks are well forward — rather to my surprise.
Jan. 2. Very rainy all morning. Did not see any of the birds until the weather cleared. Though the nests looked sodden120, the owners were cheerful and noisy — a tone of pleasure because of the return of the sunshine being, as I fancied, noticeable.
3. Busy all day. At 6.45 a.m. all gathered in a company on the topmost branches, and after two or three preliminary flights to the accompaniment of much commotion and chattering122, dashed into the jungle with a unanimous and most acidulous shriek123. One of the nests is hanging in shreds124.
4. This morning the birds were engaged for some little time pulling their nests to pieces, strands126 of tendrils being jerked out and cast away with a contemptuous fling. Most are still fairly rotund and compact, and appear to be weather-proof, while others are already loopholed and ragged127. The duty was performed in a most haphazard128, halfhearted way. Beneath the tree are many varieties of seeds and nuts, and portions of fruits, but no egg-shells. After the members of the colony had swooped129 and swept about as if practising military manoeuvres, sometimes silently but generally to the accompaniment of much shrieking131 in unison132, the tree was entirely deserted for the rest of the afternoon.
5. Before 7 a.m. dismantlement133 of nests was resumed with enthusiasm and deliberate purpose, shreds being twitched134 out and cast down. A good deal of chatter121. There are a few completely feathered youngsters, the breasts being almost pure white, but not more than one to each nest. Most of the nests have no output, in which case the responsible birds have no assistance in the work of destruction. Late in the afternoon all were very busy again, repairs to nests engaging attention. The birds are so unsettled that I am puzzled. Occasionally one would sit in a semi-dismantled nest snoodling down cosily135 and peering out with shining eyes, the glow and glitter of which from the darksome entrance have a jewel-like effect. While the one sat close and still the mate would repair the exterior, and in a flash of electric suddenness all would dart136 out of the tree to swoop130 about as if to perfect themselves in an exercise designed towards the evasion137 of the dash of a hawk138.
6. Early again the wrecking139 of the nests began; but was soon abandoned, the colony being deserted for the last part of the day.
7. Demolition140 very casual. The birds are averse141 from working in the rain, and, to-day several showers have occurred.
8. Notwithstanding light rain the duty of demolition began at 6.30 a.m. As much energy and purpose are expended142 withdrawing the strands by a series of tugs143 as were displayed in the building. Occasionally the whole branch from which the nest is pendant sways with the work of a single bird, the eyes of which glitter the more fiercely as it pulls and jerks at an obstinate144 strand125. Twenty-five birds are counted, so it would seem that the enterprise has failed in respect of increase. No doubt some are absent. Both young and old birds take part in the work of destruction. One, I notice, has a black blotch145 on his otherwise mottled breast, while his back shines with the polished radiance of a soap-bubble.
9. Tree visited at odd intervals146 — not at all during early morning. Dismantlement proceeds half-heartedly.
10. Very early, the morning being fine and clear, the birds resumed in a playful, lackadaisical147 way the demolition of the nests; without apparent cause, save the shriek of a passing cockatoo, they fled into the jungle. Did not see them again until late in the afternoon.
11. Again the birds visited the reserve early. Shortly before sundown I counted sixteen. They were resting silently on the sodden remains148 of the nests, for there have been heavy showers; some were picking idly at loosened strands as if merely to beguile149 time. Now and again they fly briskly and noisily in close company — always “diagonalising.” Failure to add largely to the population of birds does not seem to have damped the gaiety and impulsiveness of the erratic150 flights. They are as sprightly151 in their confabulations and as spiteful in their squabbles. The founders152 of the colony were, I am convinced, this season’s birds. If so they could not have been more than two months old when they began to build. The young brood from old-established colonies hatched out just about two months before these appeared.
12. Yesterday’s occupations and recreations repeated. The inheritance of parasitic153 intruders, to cut off which the nests are torn to pieces, now depends on unsubstantialities.
13. This morning, the flock assembled at break of day, and began, some to extricate154 tendrils from, others to repair woebegone nests. When the sun shone on the tree the plumage of the birds gleamed with almost dazzling iridescence155, the shoulders green, the back of the neck purple and lake of the richest hue156.
14. One casual visit to the tree was observed.
15. No visit.
16. No appearance until late in the afternoon, when four, wildly flying, settled for a few minutes and departed shrieking. The tree is not now a home, merely a rendezvous157.
And so the history ends. Next August, no doubt, the surviving members of the colony will return, all fully19 feathered in glossy158 black, and with eyes aflame, to complete the destruction of the nests — according to habit — and build afresh.
Dec. 10 (1910). True to attributes, the bird’s returned yesterday. To-day the one nest which had withstood a year’s buffeting159 was demolished160 offhand, and twenty-two are now being built with frantic haste.
Dec. 12. To the solidification161 of the joy of the Isle no less than four new colonies are being established close at hand, the very tree which was raided years ago being again occupied by a jubilant and clamorous162 crowd. One of the new colonies is over one hundred nests strong. Does this regeneration signify the beginning of a favourable phase analogous163 to that discovered by the commission previously164 referred to in respect of grouse?
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1
metallic
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| adj.金属的；金属制的；含金属的；产金属的；像金属的 | |
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throng
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| n.人群，群众；v.拥挤，群集 | |
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throngs
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| n.人群( throng的名词复数 )v.成群，挤满( throng的第三人称单数 ) | |
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4
shrilly
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| 尖声的； 光亮的，耀眼的 | |
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5
renovated
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| 翻新，修复，整修( renovate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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acidulous
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| adj.微酸的；苛薄的 | |
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burnished
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| adj.抛光的，光亮的v.擦亮（金属等），磨光( burnish的过去式和过去分词 )；被擦亮，磨光 | |
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industrious
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| adj.勤劳的，刻苦的，奋发的 | |
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faction
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| n.宗派，小集团；派别；派系斗争 | |
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adjourn
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| v.（使）休会，（使）休庭 | |
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frantic
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| adj.狂乱的，错乱的，激昂的 | |
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commotion
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| n.骚动，动乱 | |
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sage
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| n.圣人，哲人；adj.贤明的，明智的 | |
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entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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inspection
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| n.检查，审查，检阅 | |
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abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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distinctive
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| adj.特别的，有特色的，与众不同的 | |
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delightfully
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| 大喜，欣然 | |
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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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confirmation
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| n.证实，确认，批准 | |
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arboreal
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| adj.树栖的；树的 | |
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influential
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| adj.有影响的，有权势的 | |
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dome
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| n.圆屋顶，拱顶 | |
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domed
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| adj. 圆屋顶的, 半球形的, 拱曲的 动词dome的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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25
inevitably
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| adv.不可避免地；必然发生地 | |
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amicable
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| adj.和平的，友好的；友善的 | |
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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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offhand
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| adj.临时，无准备的；随便，马虎的 | |
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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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explicit
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| adj.详述的，明确的；坦率的；显然的 | |
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violation
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| n.违反(行为)，违背(行为)，侵犯 | |
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truculence
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| n.凶猛，粗暴 | |
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diminution
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| n.减少；变小 | |
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noted
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| adj.著名的，知名的 | |
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esteemed
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| adj.受人尊敬的v.尊敬( esteem的过去式和过去分词 )；敬重；认为；以为 | |
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epidemic
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| n.流行病；盛行；adj.流行性的，流传极广的 | |
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grouse
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| n.松鸡；v.牢骚，诉苦 | |
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fluctuations
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| 波动，涨落，起伏( fluctuation的名词复数 ) | |
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recur
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| vi.复发，重现，再发生 | |
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desolating
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| 毁坏( desolate的现在分词 )； 极大地破坏； 使沮丧； 使痛苦 | |
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congregating
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| （使）集合，聚集( congregate的现在分词 ) | |
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42
favourable
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| adj.赞成的，称赞的，有利的，良好的，顺利的 | |
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rusty
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| adj.生锈的；锈色的；荒废了的 | |
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commonwealth
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| n.共和国，联邦，共同体 | |
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45
extermination
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| n.消灭，根绝 | |
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46
sanctuaries
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| n.避难所( sanctuary的名词复数 )；庇护；圣所；庇护所 | |
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47
prohibition
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| n.禁止；禁令，禁律 | |
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48
regain
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| vt.重新获得，收复，恢复 | |
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49
molestation
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| n.骚扰，干扰，调戏；折磨 | |
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50
passionately
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| ad.热烈地，激烈地 | |
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51
obliterated
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| v.除去( obliterate的过去式和过去分词 )；涂去；擦掉；彻底破坏或毁灭 | |
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52
preservation
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| n.保护，维护，保存，保留，保持 | |
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53
censure
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| v./n.责备；非难；责难 | |
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54
reign
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| n.统治时期，统治，支配，盛行；v.占优势 | |
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55
professes
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| 声称( profess的第三人称单数 )； 宣称； 公开表明； 信奉 | |
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56
judicious
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| adj.明智的，明断的，能作出明智决定的 | |
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57
eloquence
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| n.雄辩；口才，修辞 | |
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58
dulcet
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| adj.悦耳的 | |
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59
soothed
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| v.安慰( soothe的过去式和过去分词 )；抚慰；使舒服；减轻痛苦 | |
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60
consigned
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| v.把…置于（令人不快的境地）( consign的过去式和过去分词 )；把…托付给；把…托人代售；丟弃 | |
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61
countless
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| adj.无数的，多得不计其数的 | |
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62
sanctuary
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| n.圣所，圣堂，寺庙；禁猎区，保护区 | |
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63
thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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64
bustling
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| adj.喧闹的 | |
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65
kernels
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| 谷粒( kernel的名词复数 )； 仁； 核； 要点 | |
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66
isle
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| n.小岛，岛 | |
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67
purely
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| adv.纯粹地，完全地 | |
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68
insular
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| adj.岛屿的，心胸狭窄的 | |
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69
isles
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| 岛( isle的名词复数 ) | |
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70
exasperation
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| n.愤慨 | |
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71
veranda
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| n.走廊；阳台 | |
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72
detailed
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| adj.详细的，详尽的，极注意细节的，完全的 | |
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73
anticipation
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| n.预期，预料，期望 | |
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74
demonstration
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| n.表明，示范，论证，示威 | |
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75
herald
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| vt.预示...的来临，预告，宣布，欢迎 | |
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76
parental
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| adj.父母的；父的；母的 | |
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77
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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78
impulsiveness
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| n.冲动 | |
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79
vigour
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| （=vigor）n.智力，体力，精力 | |
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80
irrelevance
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| n.无关紧要；不相关；不相关的事物 | |
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81
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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82
protruding
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| v.（使某物）伸出，（使某物）突出( protrude的现在分词 )；凸 | |
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83
pliant
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| adj.顺从的；可弯曲的 | |
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84
twig
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| n.小树枝，嫩枝；v.理解 | |
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85
twigs
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| 细枝，嫩枝( twig的名词复数 ) | |
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86
twilight
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| n.暮光，黄昏；暮年，晚期，衰落时期 | |
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87
flirted
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| v.调情，打情骂俏( flirt的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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88
industriously
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89
deftly
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| adv.灵巧地，熟练地，敏捷地 | |
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90
exterior
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| adj.外部的，外在的；表面的 | |
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91
lining
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| n.衬里，衬料 | |
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92
entangle
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| vt.缠住，套住；卷入，连累 | |
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93
frail
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| adj.身体虚弱的；易损坏的 | |
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94
contriving
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| （不顾困难地）促成某事( contrive的现在分词 )； 巧妙地策划，精巧地制造（如机器）； 设法做到 | |
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95
sketched
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| v.草拟（sketch的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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96
extremities
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| n.端点( extremity的名词复数 )；尽头；手和足；极窘迫的境地 | |
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97
outermost
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| adj.最外面的，远离中心的 | |
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98
antagonism
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| n.对抗，敌对，对立 | |
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99
wile
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| v.诡计，引诱；n.欺骗，欺诈 | |
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100
dingy
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| adj.昏暗的，肮脏的 | |
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101
tinge
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| vt.(较淡)着色于，染色；使带有…气息；n.淡淡色彩，些微的气息 | |
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102
nuptial
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| adj.婚姻的，婚礼的 | |
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103
deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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104
sedate
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| adj.沉着的，镇静的，安静的 | |
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105
undoubtedly
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| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
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106
reigns
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| n.君主的统治( reign的名词复数 )；君主统治时期；任期；当政期 | |
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107
poked
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| v.伸出( poke的过去式和过去分词 )；戳出；拨弄；与（某人）性交 | |
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108
muses
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| v.沉思，冥想( muse的第三人称单数 )；沉思自语说（某事） | |
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109
cosy
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| adj.温暖而舒适的，安逸的 | |
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110
streaked
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| adj.有条斑纹的，不安的v.快速移动( streak的过去式和过去分词 )；使布满条纹 | |
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111
lustrous
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| adj.有光泽的；光辉的 | |
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112
perches
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| 栖息处( perch的名词复数 )； 栖枝； 高处； 鲈鱼 | |
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113
beguiling
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| adj.欺骗的，诱人的v.欺骗( beguile的现在分词 )；使陶醉；使高兴；消磨（时间等） | |
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114
pending
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| prep.直到，等待…期间；adj.待定的；迫近的 | |
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115
brawls
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| 吵架，打架( brawl的名词复数 ) | |
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116
tranquillity
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| n. 平静, 安静 | |
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117
demurely
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| adv.装成端庄地，认真地 | |
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118
portending
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| v.预示( portend的现在分词 )；预兆；给…以警告；预告 | |
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119
colonists
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| n.殖民地开拓者，移民，殖民地居民( colonist的名词复数 ) | |
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120
sodden
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| adj.浑身湿透的；v.使浸透；使呆头呆脑 | |
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121
chatter
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| vi.／n.喋喋不休；短促尖叫；(牙齿)打战 | |
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122
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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123
shriek
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| v./n.尖叫，叫喊 | |
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124
shreds
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| v.撕碎，切碎( shred的第三人称单数 )；用撕毁机撕毁（文件） | |
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125
strand
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| vt.使（船）搁浅，使（某人）困于（某地） | |
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126
strands
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| n.（线、绳、金属线、毛发等的）股( strand的名词复数 )；缕；海洋、湖或河的)岸；（观点、计划、故事等的）部份v.使滞留，使搁浅( strand的第三人称单数 ) | |
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127
ragged
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| adj.衣衫褴褛的，粗糙的，刺耳的 | |
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128
haphazard
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| adj.无计划的，随意的，杂乱无章的 | |
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129
swooped
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| 俯冲，猛冲( swoop的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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130
swoop
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| n.俯冲，攫取；v.抓取，突然袭击 | |
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131
shrieking
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| v.尖叫( shriek的现在分词 ) | |
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132
unison
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| n.步调一致，行动一致 | |
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133
dismantlement
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| 拆卸，拆除的行动或状态 | |
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134
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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135
cosily
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| adv.舒适地，惬意地 | |
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136
dart
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| v.猛冲，投掷；n.飞镖，猛冲 | |
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137
evasion
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| n.逃避，偷漏(税) | |
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138
hawk
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| n.鹰，骗子；鹰派成员 | |
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139
wrecking
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| 破坏 | |
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140
demolition
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| n.破坏,毁坏,毁坏之遗迹 | |
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141
averse
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| adj.厌恶的；反对的，不乐意的 | |
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142
expended
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| v.花费( expend的过去式和过去分词 )；使用（钱等）做某事；用光；耗尽 | |
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143
tugs
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| n.猛拉( tug的名词复数 )；猛拖；拖船v.用力拉，使劲拉，猛扯( tug的第三人称单数 ) | |
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144
obstinate
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| adj.顽固的，倔强的，不易屈服的，较难治愈的 | |
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145
blotch
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| n.大斑点；红斑点；v.使沾上污渍，弄脏 | |
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146
intervals
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| n.[军事]间隔( interval的名词复数 )；间隔时间；[数学]区间；（戏剧、电影或音乐会的）幕间休息 | |
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147
lackadaisical
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| adj.无精打采的，无兴趣的；adv.无精打采地，不决断地 | |
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148
remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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149
beguile
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| vt.欺骗，消遣 | |
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150
erratic
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| adj.古怪的，反复无常的，不稳定的 | |
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151
sprightly
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| adj.愉快的，活泼的 | |
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152
founders
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| n.创始人( founder的名词复数 ) | |
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153
parasitic
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| adj.寄生的 | |
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154
extricate
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| v.拯救，救出；解脱 | |
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155
iridescence
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| n.彩虹色；放光彩；晕色；晕彩 | |
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156
hue
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| n.色度；色调；样子 | |
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157
rendezvous
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| n.约会，约会地点，汇合点；vi.汇合，集合；vt.使汇合，使在汇合地点相遇 | |
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158
glossy
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| adj.平滑的；有光泽的 | |
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159
buffeting
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| 振动 | |
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160
demolished
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| v.摧毁( demolish的过去式和过去分词 )；推翻；拆毁（尤指大建筑物）；吃光 | |
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161
solidification
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| 凝固 | |
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162
clamorous
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| adj.吵闹的，喧哗的 | |
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163
analogous
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| adj.相似的；类似的 | |
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164
previously
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| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
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