204 The Natural History 



are never to be seen in these Parts of America but in the Win- 

 ter time, for they generally come and go with the Swans and 

 Geese. 



The White Brants, are something larger than the former, 

 with which they agTee in I^ature and Virtues, and are very 

 plenty in the Winter Season. These Birds are as white as 

 Snow, excej^t the tips of their Wings, which are Black. They 

 feed on the Roots of Sedge and Grass in the Savannas and 

 Marshes, which they tear and root up like Hogs. The Plan- 

 ters frequently set Fire to these Savannas and Marshes, and 

 as soon as the Grass is burnt off, these Powl will come in 

 great Flocks to eat the Roots, by which means they shoot vast 

 J^umbers of them. They are as good Meat as the other, but 

 their Feathers are stubbed and good for nothing. 



The gTeat Grey- Gulls are as large as a Duclc, and very 

 plenty in these parts, and accounted good Food. They lay 

 Eggs as large as a House-Hen, which are found in great Quan- 

 tities in the Months of June and July, on the Islands, in the 

 Sounds, and near the Shoar. These and the Young ones, 

 which are call'd Squabs, are good Food, and prove relief to 

 Travellers by Water, that have spent their Provisions. The 

 Grease of these, and the other Gulls, is good against the Gout, 

 and hard swellings, strengthens the E^erves, and eases Pains 

 in several parts of the Body. 



The gi'eat Pied-Gulls, are also plenty here ; they are a large 

 Fowl with black and white Feathers, and their Heads beauti- 

 fully adorned with a black-hood. They lay large Eggs, which 

 are good to eat, so are their Squahs or Young ones in the 

 Season; they are of the same Xature and Virtues with the 

 former. 



The 



