344 THE GANNET 



The Gannet's egg is nearly elliptical in shape, and an 

 average one measures 3 inches by 2 inches, which is by no 

 means large for the size of the bird. An Irish one received 

 from Mr. Ussher only measures 2.8 inches, and a greater 

 disparity than that might be found. Mr. Dresser gives 

 the average of fifty-five eggs as 3.06 inches by 1.96 inch.* 

 I should say the yolk also, which is the food store of the 

 unhatched chick, was very small in proportion to the 

 size of the shell which contains it. Perhaps if the egg 

 were bigger, and the yolk also, the Gannet chick would be 

 more developed when hatched than is the case, which would 

 be in accordance with received theories. The weight of a 

 fresh egg, taking an average-sized one, is about 3 ozs. 190 

 grains. When very near to hatching they might be expected 

 to be lighter, accordingly one from which the embryo 

 was afterwards removed by Mr. E. Corder, was tested by 

 him and found to be 3 ozs. 50 grains. On the other 

 hand, another near to hatching, which was slightly larger, 

 was 3 ozs. 210 grains ; but it must have been more still when 

 fresh. I must say I think Gannets' eggs are better eating 

 than Guillemots' ; both have often been made use of as an 

 article of food, but I cannot imagine anyone getting very 

 fond of either ! There is a slight flavour of musk about the 

 former, which is hardly agreeable to my taste. The 



* "Eggs of the Birds of Europe," by H. E. Dresser. 



