212 COMMON TORTOISE. 



Kittiwake. These birds are by no means uncommon on 

 the sea-coasts of this country. They breed upon the ledges 

 of cliffs ; and the young ones constitute a favourite food 

 in Scotland, being served up roasted, a little before din- 

 ner, in order to excite an appetite. But, from their rank 

 taste and smell, they seem, says Mr. Pennant, much more 

 likely to produce a contrary effect. 



The length of this species is about fourteen inches. 

 The plumage is white, except the back and wings, which 

 are gray, and the tips of some of the quill-feathers, which 

 are black. All the tail-feathers are white. The bill is 

 yellow, and the legs are dusky. There are, on each foot, 

 three toes. 



CLASS III. AMPHIBIOUS ANIMALS. 

 ORDER I. REPTILES. 



1. TORTOISE OR TURTLE TRIBE. 



These animals are protected by a strong and bony 

 covering, into which they are able to withdraw their head, 

 tail, and legs ; and, sheltered by this, they are capable of 

 resisting the attacks even of the most powerful enemies. 

 Their young ones are produced from eggs, which they lay 



in the sand, and which are hatched by the heat of the sun. 



i 



Common Tortoise. The common or Greek Tortoise is 

 found in woods, in elevated situations, and in the moun- 



