228 LITTLE GULLEMOT. 



the black-billed Aux, and feeds upon the same kind of food. 

 The Greenlanders call it the Ice-bird, from the circumstance of 

 its being the harbinger of ice. It lays two bluish white eggs, 

 larger than those of the Pigeon. It flies quick, and dives well; 

 and is always dipping its bill into the water while swimming, 

 or at rest on that element. Walks better on land than others of 

 the genus. It grows fat in the stormy season, from the waves 

 bringing plenty of crabs and small fish within its reach. It is 

 not a very crafty bird, and may be easily taken. It varies to 

 quite white; and sometimes is found with a reddish breast* 



To the anatomist, the internal organization of this species is 

 deserving attention : it is so constructed as to be capable of con- 

 tracting or dilating itself at pleasure. We know not what Na- 

 ture intends by this conformation, unless it be to facilitate diving, 

 for which the compressed form is well adapted; and likewise 

 the body when expanded will be rendered more buoyant, and 

 fit for the purpose of swimming upon the surface of the water.t 



* Latham. Pennant. f From Mr. Ord's supplementary Volume, 





