( 371 ) 



This species, familiar to mariners by the name of " Mother Ga- 

 ry's Chickens," is found on almost every part of the Atlantic Ocean. 

 They are met with far at sea, and are not uncommon off Sandy 

 Hook, within sight of land — and occasionally stragglers are seen 

 coasting along the shores of Long Island. 



Among sailors, many superstitious notions exist concerning these 

 ocean wanderers. By some, they are supposed to be connected 

 with evil spirits, and have an agency in producing storms. I 

 had an excellent opportunity of observing the manners of these 

 swallows of the ocean, when making an excursion to sea in a 

 Pilot Boat. The vessel being low, and by throwing over small 

 pieces of fat, which they seized with avidity, I was enabled to keep 

 them so near, that I could distinctly trace their plumage, as well as 

 observe their manners. Before losing sight of land, we fell in with 

 these asrial mariners, who during the whole trip, followed in the 

 wake of the vessel, as if imploring for a contribution to the scanty 

 pittance of fare they glean from the foaming surges. At sea, it is a 

 pleasing sight, when the eye wanders from the floating prison, to 

 see these sprightly little voyagers coursing over the rough and bro- 

 ken waves, as regardless of danger as the finny inhabitants below. 



The Petrel is capable of very rapid, as well as protracted flight. 

 At times, it is seen shooting by the vessel as if it were at anchor, 

 while at the same time it is moving at a rapid rate. When wearied, 

 they rest on the water. At such times we see them with outspread 

 wings, standing or running on the majestic billow, with apparent fa- 

 cility and ease — the lightness of its body rendered more buoyant by 

 the action of its wings, and its feet being webbed and constantly in 

 motion, assists it in this singular performance. Its note, which is 

 usually quite low and feeble, is, during boisterous weather, more 

 harsh and oftener repeated. Shortly before, and during a gale, it 

 flocks nearer the vessel — hence the sailors* superstitious dread. — 

 Among other absurdities connected with this bird, is the vulgar no- 

 tion that it carries its eggs under its wings, hatching them while on 

 the water. 



"The Stormy Petrel, or Mother Gary's Chicken, breeds in great 

 numbers on the rocky shores of the Bahama and Bermuda Islands, 

 and in some places on the coast of East Florida and Cuba. They 



