48 



THE ALBATROSS. 



muscular bird, — ^judging from its external form. 

 This deception is occasioned by the quantity of 

 down and feathers, with a very dense integument, 

 and the air-cells being often inflated in a slight 

 degree. When these are removed, the body of 

 the bird is found to be of a smaller size than 

 would have been supposed, and, comparatively 

 speaking, does not possess the muscular power, 

 which, from its long flights, our ideas might lead 

 us to suppose. I remarked that the albatross 

 would lower himself even to the water's edge, and 

 elevate himself again without any apparent im- 

 pulse ; nor could I observe any percussion of the 

 wings when the flight was directed against the 

 wind, — but then, of course, its progress was 

 tardy. Many, however, have differed with me 

 in considering that the birds never fly " dead 

 against the wind," but in that manner, which 

 sailors term, " close to the wind," and thus 

 make progress, aided by, when seemingly flying 

 against, the wind.* 



The different species or varieties of the albatross, 



* This bird is evidently aided by its long wings as 

 well as tail in directing its flight : they are never seen to 

 soar to any great height, and are often observed to change 

 their course, by turning the wings and body in a lateral 

 direction, and oftentimes, when raising themselves, would 

 bend the last joint of the wings downwards. 



