THE AUKS 



2303 



years the species became extinct in Europe, the last pair having been killed in the 

 summer of 1844. The existence of the garefowl on Funk island was discovered 

 about 1534, when the birds were so numerous as to be reckoned, it is said, by thou- 

 sands, but incessant persecution for more than two centuries eventually brought 



GREAT AUK. 



(One-sixth natural size.) 



about its extermination, which probably took place almost contemporaneously 

 with its disappearance from Europe. On Funk island, as Mr. Lucas remarks, it 

 was customary for the crews of several vessels to spend the summer for the sole 

 purpose of killing garefowl for the sake of their feathers. Although we have but 



