603 



THE FOEKED-TAILED PETEEL. 



THALASSfDEOMA LEACHII. 



General plumage like the last ; tall forked ; legs moderate ; membi-ane dusky. 

 Length seven and a quarter inches. Eggs unknown. 



The Forked-tailed Petrel, a native of JsTortli America, 

 does not differ materially in habits from the other species. 

 It is considered to be only a stray visitor to this country, 

 and to be driven hither by the stormy weather which usually 

 accompanies the two equinoxes, especially the autumnal 

 one. Of the few specimens obtained in this country, 

 several have been picked up in inland counties either 

 dead or dying, and it is conjectured, with reason, that these 

 have been driven inland by storms, and have fallen 

 exhausted from want of food. 



THE STOEMY PETEEL. 



THALASSIDROMA PELAGICA. 



General plumage like the last; tail even at the extremity; legs moderate 

 membranes black. Length scarcely six inches. Eggs white. 



Under the name of " Mother Carey's Chickens " the 

 Petrels must be known to all readers of voyages. Accord- 

 ing to the belief popular in the forecastle, these birds are 

 invisible during calm or bright weather ; but when the 

 sky lowers, and a storm is impending, suddenly, no one 

 knows whence, forth come these ill-omened heralds of 

 the tempest, inspiring more terror than would be caused 

 even by the hurricane which they are supposed to com- 

 mence. In reality, the Petrels are scarcely birds of the 

 day ; they love to hide themselves in holes and behind 

 stones. It is not, therefore, surprising that when the sea 

 is calm, and the sun bright, they lurk in their hiding- 



