126 CONCLUDING REMARKS. 



our preconceived ideas respecting these birds 

 have been modified, as traveller after traveller 

 has added to our information ; and yet we have 

 much, and for years shall have much, to learn. 



"We have alluded to a very petrel-like species, 

 to which our obliging friend, Mr. Gould, called 

 our attention. Its short tarsi, its peculiar struc- 

 ture of wing, and its dull plumage, were, at a 

 glance, apparent ; but that decided oleaginous 

 odour which is exhaled from the skin of the 

 Petrels and other allied oceanic birds, was what 

 most surprised us ; it was perceptible as soon as 

 the specimen was taken from the box, and had 

 we not used the sense of vision, as well as that 

 of smell, we should have said, this is a small 

 Petrel or Thalassidroma. What know we of 

 the habits of this bird, except that it frequents 

 the borders of lakes and marshes ? It is not 

 improbable that it may feed on minute Moilusks, 

 semi-microscopic Crustaceans, and the larvae of 

 aquatic insects, as well as on those insects which 

 tenant the nectary of the flowers which skirt 

 the margin of the water. 



Similar observations apply to other species 

 contained in Mr. Gould's unrivalled cabinet. 

 Many of them present us with singularities of 

 form, indicative of a peculiarity in habits and 

 economy which remains to be ascertained. Not- 

 - withstanding, however, that much has yet to be 

 learned respecting this group of birds, much, 

 within the last few years, has been acquired. 



