454 THE GUILLEMOT. 



The Guillemots constitute a family of sea-birds ire 

 many respects resembling the Divers, but with wings 

 still shorter; the chief distinction, however, is their 

 having no hind-toe or thumb; they live on fish and crabs, 

 and when on land frequent ledges of recks, where they 

 build their nests. The species best known to us is that 

 called the Foolish Guillemot (Colymbus troile), a name 

 probably acquired by its apparent stupidity, in not only 

 allowing a very near approach, but even frequently re- 

 maining within shot, although its companions may have 

 been killed close to it. These are the birds which so 

 often attract the attention of passengers in steam-boats, 

 by remaining quietly tossing on the waves, without seem- 

 ing to notice the noise and splashing of the paddles ; 

 seldom, if ever, taking flight, but usually diving and 

 rising again at short distances. The bird, however, by 

 no means merits its character for stupidity, as those who 

 are the most experienced fowlers find it a very difficult 

 matter to catch them, except by means of snares laid 

 near their nests. 



Closely allied with these, and by many naturalists 

 more or less associated with them, are the Alca tribes, 

 comprising amongst other birds, our Razor-bills and 

 Puffins, which, although not generally scattered over 

 our shores, are found in prodigious numbers on certain 

 favourite spots, which they have from time immemorial 

 selected for themselves. One of the most frequented 

 spots for the latter is Puffin Island, near Beaumaris; 

 though further towards the north, they are still more 

 widely spread, and may be found during the breeding- 

 season, in still greater abundance. They are often called 

 Sea-Parrots, from the peculiar form of the beak, capable 

 of inflicting very severe wounds, and of which they 

 make great use, sometimes to their own disadvantage, 

 as the following singular mode of taking them, which 

 does not seem confined to our own country, will fully 

 prove. 



" In Iceland," says Dr. Henderson, in his missionary 



