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THE ANIMALS OF NEW ZEALAND 



then on the back, then on the neck, and last on the top of the 

 head. The Antipodes Island birds may be a distinct species, as 

 they are darker on the back and do not appear to get a white 

 head. 



The average breadth across the wings is ten feet, ranging 

 between nine and twelve feet. The bird's food consists chiefly of 

 cuttle-fish. Indeed, it cannot catch fish; for it never pounces 



(Photi. I'll Mr. G. BiuMli', on AittijMdi'S Island.) 



Young of Wandering Albatross. 



suddenly, like a frigate-bird, or a gannet, on anything floating on 

 the water, but always settles first at some little distance off and 

 swims up to its prey. For this reason it can be caught with a hook 

 only when a vessel is going slowly, not more than four or five 

 knots, and when plenty of line can be paid out, so as to give the 

 bird time to look at the bait before he swallows it ; for the 

 albatross is a cautious bird, and is frightened if the bait is being 

 towed through the water. The bait must be floated by means of 



