THE GANNET. 



559 



tip of its wide-spreading wings. But apart from all these 

 distinguishing characters, its mode of fishing is, by itself, 

 sufficient to mark it. In flight it is eminently wandering ; 

 it circles round and round, or describes a figure of eight, 

 at a varying elevation above the water, in quest of her- 

 rings, pilchards, or other fish whose habit is to swim near 



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THK OANNET. 



the surface. When it has discovered a prey, it suddenly'- 

 arrests its flight, partially closes its wings, and descends 

 head foremost with a force sufficient to make a jet deau 

 visible two or three miles off, and to carry itself many feet 

 downwards. "WHien successful, it brings its prize to the 

 surface, and devours it without troubling itself about 



