GREAT AUK. 173 



however, it has not been known to breed for many years 

 back; three or four specimens only have "been procured 

 during the memory of the oldest inhabitant.' 



Dr. Baikie and Mr. Eobert Heddle write, 'This bird has 

 not visited Orkney for many years. One was seen off Fair 

 Isle, in June, 1798; a pair bred in Papa Westray for several 

 years, where they were named the king and queen of the 

 Auks. Shortly after Mr. Bullock's visit to Orkney, in 1813, 

 one of these birds was shot and sent to him, and since that 

 time the Great Auk has apparently forsaken our islands.' 



In Ireland, this very fine bird has occurred, but very 

 rarely. One was taken off the coast of the county of 

 Waterford in the year 1834. 



This species has been kept in confinement for some time. 



The short wings of these Auks, though inadequate to 

 support them in the air, render them material assistance in 

 their progress beneath the surface of the water, and there 

 they proceed, it is related, with wonderful rapidity; and in 

 swimming are equally adept. Being thus unable to fly, it 

 would appear that they raise themselves to their breeding- 

 places on the rocks by the aid of the waves which dash 

 without ceasing against the desolate shores which they 

 frequent. On the land they walk but slowly, and use their 

 wings to help them forwards. They are not shy or easily 

 alarmed, the result no doubt of their having been accus- 

 tomed to live in security in their remote quarters. 



They feed on fish, and, some say, on sea-plants. 



The Great Auk hatches its egg on the bare ground, close 

 above the sea-board, or in the clefts of rocks. This in the 

 month of June. 



The egg is yellowish white, streaked and spotted, principally 

 about the larger end, with black. 



These eggs may be said to be 'worth theif weight in 

 gold;' I know of about sixty guineas having been given for 

 a pair. 



Male; length, two feet eight or ten inches, Montagu says 

 as much as three feet; the bill, which is flattened at the . 

 sides, and marked with several transverse grooves, is very 

 strong, and black in colour, the grooves white; between it 

 and the eye, and around the latter, is a large oval patch 

 of white; the base of the bill is covered with short velvet- 

 like feathers. Iris, reddish brown; head on the crown and 

 sides, neck, nape, chin, and throat, deep glossy black; the 



