SKUA GULL. 313 



towards the south. Off the coast of Newfoundland, proba- 

 bly this species is seen in June, widely exploring the 

 ocean, and in the depth of winter, they migrate into the 

 bays along the coast of Massachusetts, but I believe they 

 are nearly unknown as far south as the coast of New 

 Jersey. As the supposed identic species of the two hemi- 

 spheres appear therefore never to meet in their range to 

 warmer countries, proceeding rarely, if ever, into the trop- 

 ics, we may almost rest satisfied that, however closely allied, 

 they are still of distinct races, originating from different 

 creative points of the globe. 



The Cataract Yager, so called by Linnaeus from the ra- 

 pidity and violence with which it darts down on its prey, is 

 a very bold and voracious species. Like the Eagle it some- 

 times pounces upon the domestic flocks, and tearing up 

 a lamb, carries the mangled pieces to feed its cravino- 

 brood. In the rocky island of Foula, however, better sup- 

 plied with its ordinary fare from the deep, it even refrains 

 from injuring the poultry, and in its enmity to the Eagle, 

 defends the flocks from its attacks; so different, accordingf 

 to circumstances are the habits and propensities of animals. 

 It however often preys on the small Gulls and other birds 

 with all the rapacity of a Hawk, and for which its powerful 

 claws seem to indicate both the ability and instinctive incli- 

 nation. It is often, at the same time, satisfied with seizing 

 on the fish, which its accidental provider easily disgorges 

 whenever alarmed. In defence of its young its temerity 

 scarcely knows any bound, it will at such times often attack 

 a whole company of men, should they disturb it, or molest 

 its cherished brood. After the breeding season, old and 

 young take to the sea, in small companies or pairs, and 

 venture, like the Albatross, boldly and securely over the 

 wide ocean. Off the stormy Cape of Good Hope and Cape 

 Horn, as in the middle of the vast Atlantic, these black 

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