56 THE ALBATROSS. 



and the smaller thin-skinned Crustacea, which are put in 

 motion by every receding wave. If disturbed, the whole 

 flock take wing together, and, wheeling along in half 

 circles near the edge or the surface of the water, each 

 bird exhibits alternately a dark or light appearance to 

 the observer, as the upper or under side of its body 

 happens to be turned towards him." 



The Terns, or Sea Swallows, by their very graceful 

 form and rapid flight, skimming along the surface of the 

 sea, seldom fail to attract the notice of the most casual 

 visitor. But it is not until we examine them minutely 

 that we are aware of the numtuous species which in- 

 habit different parts of our coasts, each no doubt select- 

 ing that place where he finds ground best fitted to his 

 wants. No less than eleven species of Tern either visit 

 or breed on some part of the British shore. Many of 

 them migrate to very distant places in their winter 

 rambles, exploring the shores of tropical countries, and 

 even extending their flights to high latitudes in the 

 southern hemisphere. No birds are better fitted to 

 remain long on the wing. The elegant, boat-shaped 

 body, small in proportion to the great length of wing, 

 is easily supported in the air during a very long-con- 

 tinued flight. To the same family of birds belong the 

 Sea-gulls, which are mostly of larger size, and less slen- 

 der form, but with very similar habits ; and also the 

 famous Albatross, whose lengthy flight, reported by 

 voyagers as continued for weeks or months together, 

 is so celebrated. But the time which the Albatross 

 can remain on the wing has, I think, been much 

 exaggerated. Like the Gull and the Tern, though not 



