546 



ALCID^E. 



to consist of the small crustaceous animals which are so 

 abundant in the Arctic waters. Little Auks are eminently 

 social birds, and have been observed occasionally in such 

 numbers on the water and floating masses of ice as almost 

 to hide their resting-place. They rarely travel far south ; 

 and when they visit our shores, which is not often, and 



THE LITTLR AUK. 



that only after tempestuous weather, they are supposed 

 to have been driven hither against their will. Instances 

 are recorded of specimens having been found far inland, 

 disabled or dead. Little is known of their nidification, it 

 being still a question whether they lay two eggs or only 

 one. 



