C2 VOYAGE TO SPITZBERGEN. 



Their flight is a kind of race along the surface of 

 the water. They build their nests on rugged 

 precipices, and at other times seldom come to 

 land. 



Larus parasiticus, or Artie Gull. Bill dusky, 

 and much curved at the end ; crown black ; back, 

 wings, and tail, dusky ; the rest white. The two 

 middle feathers of the tail are three or four inches 

 longer than the rest. The female is altogether 

 brown. Length about fourteen inches. 



The Artie gull lives almost solely on the fish 

 taken by other birds ; to obtain which, it follows 

 and harasses them till they either drop their prey, 

 or vomit with fear ; it then devours the residue be- 

 fore it falls into the sea. * The Artie gull is fre- 

 quently taken sleeping on the water. 



Anas Tnollissima, or Eider Duck, is sometimes 

 found on the coast of Spitzbergen in vast numbers, 

 especially in winter. Bill black, and somewhat 

 elevated; from the forehead, which is a glossy 

 black, extends a dark purple stripe beyond each 

 eye : neck, body, and tail, a mixture of black and 

 white ; legs green. The body of the female is 

 mostly of an iron colour, striped with black ; tail 

 of an ash hue. 



* Faun. Grocnl. p. 101. 



