OSSIFRAGA GIGANTEA. 765 
U.S. steamer “ Aroostook,” about 300 miles to the westward of the 
Cape, May, 1867. 
Resembles the preceding species in size and colour, with the 
exception of being rather lighter, and by having the belly not 
divided by a black stripe ; the toes also are shorter. 
Fig. Gould, B. Austr. vii, pl. 63. 
740. Procettaria penaaica, DL. Storm Petrel. 
Thalassidroma oceanica, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 359. 
A few of these Petrels appeared in Table Bay in company with 
Oceanitis oceanica, in the month of May, 1865. Specimens of each 
were procured by Mr. L. C. Layard and ourselves. We had never 
seen either of them so near inshore. According to Mr. Andersson, 
“this Petrel is occasionally seen rather numerously at Walwich 
Bay, and is quite common off the rest of the south-west coast of 
Africa.” 
General colour of plumage, soot-colour ; quill-feathers approaching 
to black; edges of the secondaries whitish ; rump and vent white ; 
four outer tail feathers white on the inner webs, at the base; bill 
and legs black; eye dark brown. Length, 6’; wing, 5’; tail, 
Lae 
Fig. Dresser, B. Kur. vii, pl. 613, fig. 1. 
741. OssIFRAGA GIGANTEA (Gm.). Giant Petrel. 
Procellaria gigantea, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 360. 
The Giant Petrel is common in Table Bay, and all along our 
coasts, throughout the year. Though very plentiful beyond the 
shipping in the Bay, it never approaches the shore or wharves— 
certainly not from the fear of man, because when a boat cruises 
about the Bay, it is sure to pay it a visit and examine its inmates 
closely. A white variety is common up the west coast towards 
Walwich Bay. It is called “ the Nelly ” by sailors. Some of them 
have here and there a black feather. They breed on the Crozette 
Islands. Eggs of this species measure: axis, 4” 3’"; diam. 2” 8” ; 
pure white, rough to the touch, and rather poimted at each end. 
They retain the strong smell of the bird for a long period. Mr. 
Andersson writes: “ The Giant Petrel is not unfrequently met with 
on the south-west coast of Africa ; and I have observed it between 
the 26th and 35th degrees of south latitude. It is a most voracious 
