The Guillemote.] OF ORKNEV. 107 



way in the water, and no doubt are of great service to them 

 in their ascent from the bottom, as these are not furnished 

 with an apparatus for this purpose hke the fishes ; but how- 

 ever this is, the above may be easily observed by any one upon 

 throwing a stone over the rock where they haunt, when he 

 will see those that dive striking alternately Avith wings and 

 legs, till the depth of water hides them from his sight. 



Whether any other species of this genus ever appear on our 

 coasts, I am uncertain ; have never observed any other ; have 

 often inquired about the Great Auk especially, but cannot find 

 it is ever seen here ; nor can I find the Black-billed Auk, nor 

 the Lesser Guillemote. 



These birds, except the taiste *, all retire from us in winter, 

 and come again in spring. The country people say they 

 keep to a day almost in their exits and returns ; however, 

 this, I dare say, depends much upon the weather, as is the 

 case with the migration of the wans, the nestling of small 

 birds, and the springing, leafing, and blowing of plants. 



It is from these things the universal almanack is to be drawn, 

 and from these many of our rural observers will draw as cer- 

 tain notions, as the greatest philosophers with all their learn- 

 ing. 



* And the Scout or Guillemote.— See the note, p. 104, 



