PENGUINS. 



CHAPTER XYIIL 



SEA BIRDS. 



:N the chapter on " Superstitions Connected 

 with the Ocean," we have alluded to a few 

 marine birds which are considered by sea- 

 men as good or evil portents in their pas- 

 sage over the ocean. We will now briefly 

 describe some of the more prominent sea-birds which per- 

 form their part in the economy of nature, and derive their 

 chief sustenance from the finny inhabitants of the ocean. 

 They constitute a very extensive family all over the world, 

 ever on the alert to indulge in their fishing propensities, 

 and voracious in their appetites ; so that the poor fishes, 

 what with numberless foes in their own element, with sea- 

 birds continually on the watch to prey upon them, together 

 with all the ingenious arts practiced by man to ensnare 

 them, cannot lead the happy and peaceful life which some 

 fanciful writers have imagined them to enjoy. 



Many, man}^ miles out at sea the oceanic birds are seen 

 pursuing their predatory instincts, ever restless and untiring, 



