ALCAD.E. 251 



upright attitude, the whole of the tarsus as well as the toes 

 being applied to the surface. They usually burrow, or select 

 precipitous rocks for breeding. 



THE COMMON GUILLEMOT. Uria troile. This is the 

 only Guillemot which is common or abundant upon our 

 shores, the others being comparatively rare. In suitable 

 situations, where the coast is precipitous and high, these 

 birds are often exceedingly numerous, and the eggs, taken 

 at times with considerable risk from the rocky ledges of the 

 cliffs, are sought after with constant attention. Each bird 

 lays but one egg, unless it is taken, when its place is sup- 

 plied by a second or even a' third, and so attached is it to 

 this treasure that it is said to have received the name of 

 the "Foolish Guillemot" from suffering itself to be taken 

 rather than part with the egg over which it brooded. We 

 know of no account of the breeding habits of this species 

 more amusing or informing than that supplied by Mr. Wa- 

 terton, from which we shall introduce some extracts. He 

 says: "The immense range of perpendicular rocks, lashed 

 by old ocean's briny surge, offers a choice and favourable 

 retreat to myriads of wildfowl, from far-famed Flamborough 

 Head to Bempton, and thence to Buckton and Speaton, and 

 onwards to the Bay of Filey. ... On the bare ledges of 



