267 



Plate I. Newcastle-upon-Tyne. — Young Bird. 1 



This specimen is worth studying, and is believed to be the 

 youngest specimen of Alca impennis Linn, known. It was stuffed 

 by that skilled taxidermist the late Mr John Hancock. He has 

 chosen for it an attitude of vigilant watchfulness, such as a sea- 

 bird assumes upon a rock or cliff when it hears some unusual sound 

 or suspects the approach of danger. 



The plumage upon the upper part of the neck and back is 

 mottled, the dark colour predominating. The white spot in front of 

 the eye is quite visible, and it shows as a mottled patch, as if the 

 ground had been dark-coloured but the incoming white plumage was 

 gradually replacing what had been dark. 



There are fewer furrows upon the mandibles of this specimen 

 than on any other known, which all points to its being the youngest 

 recorded. 



Upper mandible, two furrows posterior end ; and 

 Under mandible, three furrows about middle. 



1 For comparison see note on the Prague young bird ; also ante, p. 265. 



