SWIMMING BIRDS. 



463 



denticulatious, hooked at the end in some species, 

 and simply pointed in others. 



The Petrels {Procellaria) have their beaks hooked at the extremity 

 which seems to be made of a piece distinct from the rest. Tha 

 nostrils are united to forjn a tube, laid along the back of thd 

 upper mandible. Their feet present, instead of the hinder toe, 



Frr,. 391.— sroRMT petrel. 



a simjjle claw inserted into the heel. Of all the swimming birds 

 these are most constantly met with at great distances from land, so 

 that when a tempest approaches, they are often obliged to take 

 refuge upon shoals, or on board of vessels. They make their nests 

 in tlie holes of rocks, and are specially abundant in the Antarctic 

 regions. 



The Albatrosses ^Biomedea) are the largest of all water-birds. 

 The beak of the Albatross is large, strong, and cutting, seemingly 

 formed of several distinct pieces, and terminated by a hook that has 

 the appearance of being fixed on to the end. The nostrils resemble 

 two short tubes laid along the sides of the beak. Tiieir fc^-t have 

 no hinder toe, and are even destitute of the little claw that we have 

 noticed in the Petrels. They inliabit all tlio seas of the southern 

 hemisphere, and live on tishes, mollusks, and other marine animals. 

 Tiie species most commonly known (Diomedea exulans) is often 

 called by sailors the Cape Sheep, partly on account of its size, and 

 partly from its colour; it also receives the name of Man-of-imr bird. 

 It is a great enemy to flying fishes. These magnificent tsirds come 

 on shore to rear their young; they construct a nest of raisal earthen 

 which they lay their eggs, which are numerous, and goo<l to eat. 

 The voice of the Albatross is said to be as loud as that of an Ass. 



