44 



THE ALBATROSS. 



gantic species of albatross is usually first seen, 

 as well as the smaller but not less elegant species 

 of the same bird. At first but few are seen, 

 but they increase in numbers as the vessel gets 

 into more southern latitudes ; at some sea- 

 sons of the year they appear more numerous 

 than at others, which may be attributed to the 

 pairing time, which may keep them, at certain 

 seasons, nearer the rocky islets upon which they 

 breed or rear their young. The large white or 

 wandering albatross,* {Diomedia exidans,) the 

 type of the genus, excites much interest by its 

 majestic appearance, either when almost sweep- 

 ing the sides of the vessel with its huge pinions, 

 or when beheld a prisoner on the ship's deck, 

 realizing the idea of the famed 7^oc (allowing for 

 the brilliant and exaggerated descriptions usual 

 in all eastern nations) mentioned in the Arabian 

 Nights' Entertainments. t 



* Respecting the name given to this bird, it has been ob- 

 served, that the first Portuguese navigator called them, the 

 boobies, and other sea-birds, alcatros or alcatras. Dampier 

 applied this name to an actual kind ; Grew changed it to 

 albitross, and Edwards into albatross. The French name 

 these birds mouton du cap. There are a number of species 

 enumerated ; but it will require frequent and cautious ob- 

 servation previous to the determination of a new one, as they 

 vary so much in plumage from sex and age. 



f The condor is supposed by some to be the " Roc" of the 

 Arabian Nights. 



