THE NESTLING 369 



stiffened body, that they gave the impression of being dead. 

 However, such was far from being the case, although I really 

 thought some of them were lifeless at first ; but the weather 

 was very hot, which unquestionably affected them. In June, 

 1910, Mr. Campbell found that several fledghngs, a few 

 days old, which had been exposed by the temporary 

 absence of their parents, actually did expire from the 

 effects of sun. The care bestowed by almost every 

 species of bird upon its offspring has long been proverbial, 

 but it would seem that the Gannet is an exception to 

 this rule, for although it never forgets to feed its one 

 nursling, it is not at all unusual to see an old Gannet 

 stand over and peck it ; but the young bear this hard 

 treatment in a patient and uncomplaining manner, and it is 

 said never utter a sound. Sometimes they actually stand 

 upon their young ones, which their webbed feet are so big 

 as very nearly to cover, but this may be the instinct of 

 protection administered in a rough form, to conceal them 

 from large Gulls which are suspected of occasionally 

 taking a young one. As an old Gannet weighs about 

 six pounds, it is a wonder that they are not pressed 

 to death ! 



Young Oannets and their Ways ; the Second Stage. — When 

 the young Gannets are twelve or thirteen weeks old. instinct 

 tells their parents that they are quite fat enough for their 



