176 THE SKUA GULL. 



couiitries, proceeding rarely, if ever, into i^e tropics, w€ 

 may almost rest satisfied that, however closely allied, they 

 are still of distinct races, originating from different creative 

 points of the globe. 



The Cataract Yager, so called by Linnaeus from the 

 rapidity and violence with which it darts down on its prey, 

 is a very bold and voracious species. Like the eagle it 

 sometimes pounces upon the domestic flocks, and tearing up 

 ft lamb, carries the mangled pieces to feed its craving 

 brood. In the rocky island of Foula, however, better sup- 

 plied with its ordinary fare from the deep, it even refraina 

 from injuring the poultry, and in its enmity to the eagle, 

 defends the flocks from its attacks; so different, accord- 

 ing to circumstances, are the habits and propensities of 

 animals. 



It however often preys on the small gulls and other birds 

 with all the rapacity of a hawk, and for which its powerful 

 claws seem to indicate both the ability and instinctive 

 inclination. It is often, at the same time, satisfied with 

 seizing on the fish, which its accidental provider easily dis- 

 gorges whenever alarmed. In defence of its young its 

 temerity scarcely knows any bound. It will at such time? 

 often attack a whole company of men, should they disturb 

 it, or molest its cherished brood. 



After the breeding season, old and young take to the sea, 

 in small companies or pairs, and venture, like the albatross, 

 be Idly and securely over the wide ocean. Off the stonnj 



