THE GUILLEMOT. 401 



terrified by loud shouts, that they will frequently fall down ; 

 and if they drop on the grass or heather, are easily caught by 

 hand, as from the awkward position of their legs, which, 

 though well suited for water, are by no means adapted for 

 land, they can neither walk nor take wing again. 



The Guillemots constitute a family of sea-birds in 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 rocks, 

 where they rear their young. The species 

 best known to us is that called the Foolish 

 Guillemot, a name probably acquired by 

 its apparent stupidity, in not only allowing 

 a very near approach, but even frequently 

 remaining within shot, although its com- 



t_ -1 i -n i i j. 'l The Foolish Guillemot. 



panions may have been killed close to it. 

 These are the birds which so often attract the attention of 

 passengers in steamboats, by remaining quietly tossing on the 

 waves, without seeming 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 farther 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 inflict- 

 ing very severe wounds, and of which they make great use, 

 sometimes to their own disadvantage, as the following singular 



2 c 



