Wilson's stormy petrel. 323 



by the name of Stormy Petrels, Devil's Birds, and Mother 

 Carey's Chickens. At nearly all seasons of the year these 

 Swallow-Petrels, in small flocks are seen wandering almost 

 alone, over the wide waste of the ocean. 



On the edge of soundings, as the vessel loses sight of the 

 distant headland, and launches into the depths of the un- 

 bounded and fearful abyss of waters, flocks of these dark, 

 swift flying, and ominous birds begin to shoot around the 

 vessel, and finally take their station in her foaming wake. 

 In this situation, as humble dependents, they follow for 

 their pittance of fare, constantly and keenly watching the 

 agitated surge for floating mollusca, and are extremely grati- 

 fied with any kind of fat animal matter thrown overboard, 

 which they invariably discover, however small the morsel, 

 or mountainous and foaming the raging wave on which it 

 may happen to float. On making such discovery they sud- 

 denly stop in their airy and swallow-like flight, and whirl 

 instantly down to the water. Sometimes nine or ten thus 

 crowd together like a flock of chickens scrambling for the 

 same morsel, at the same time pattering on the water with 

 their feet, as if walking on the surface, they balance them- 

 selves with gently fluttering and outspread wings, and often 

 dip down their heads to collect the sinking object in pursuit. 

 On other occasions, as if seeking relief from their almost 

 perpetual exercise of flight, they jerk and hop widely over 

 the water, rebounding as their feet touch the surface, with 

 great agility and alertness. 



There is something cheerful and amusing in the sight of 

 these little voyaging flocks, steadily following after the 

 vessel, so light and unconcerned, across the dreary ocean. 

 During a gale it is truly interesting to witness their intre- 

 pidity and address. Unapalled by the storm that strikes terror 

 into the breast of the mariner, they are seen coursing wildly 

 and rapidly over the waves, descending their sides, then 



