GREAT AUK. Lie 
however, it has not been known to breed for many years 
back; three or four specimens only have been procured 
during the memory of the oldest inhabitant.’ 
Dr. Baikie and Mr. Robert Heddle write, ‘This bird has 
not visited Orkney for many years. One was seen off Fair 
Isle, in June, 1798; a pair bred in Papa Westray for several 
years, where they were named the king and queen of the 
Auks. Shortly after Mr. Bullock’s visit to Orkney, in 1813, 
one of these birds was shot and sent to him, and since that 
time the Great Auk has apparently forsaken our islands.’ 
In Ireland, this very fine bird has occurred, but very 
rarely. One was taken off the coast of the county of 
Waterford in the year 1834. 
This species has been kept in confinement for some time. 
The short wings of these Auks, though inadequate to 
support them in the air, render them material assistance in 
their progress beneath the surface of the water, and there 
they proceed, it is related, with wonderful rapidity; and in 
swimming are equally adept. Being thus unable to fly, it 
would appear that they raise themselves to their breeding- 
places on the rocks by the aid of the waves which dash 
without ceasing against the desolate shores which they 
frequent. On the land they walk but slowly, and use their 
wings to help them forwards. They are not shy or easily 
alarmed, the result no doubt of their having been accus- 
tomed to live in security in their remote quarters. 
They feed on fish, and, some say, on sea-plants. 
The Great Auk hatches its egg on the bare ground, close 
above the sea-board, or in the clefts of rocks. This in the 
month of June. 
The egg is yellowish white, streaked and spotted, principally 
about the larger end, with black. 
These eggs may be said to be ‘worth their weight in 
gold;’? I know of about sixty guineas having been given for 
a pair. 
Male: length, two feet eight or ten inches, Montagu says 
as much as three feet; the bill, which is flattened at the 
sides, and marked with several transverse grooves, is very 
strong, and black in colour, the grooves white; between it 
and the eye, and around the latter, is a large oval patch 
of white; the base of the bill is covered with short velvet- 
like feathers. Iris, reddish brown; head on the crown and 
sides, neck, nape, chin, and throat, deep glossy black; the 
