GANNETS. 283 



time in the Mediterranean. In Southern Africa, the place of this species is taken 

 by the Cape gannet (S. capensis), distinguished by its nearly black tail ; and the 

 greater number of the representatives of the genus are inhabitants of the Southern 

 Hemisphere. Although still breeding on the English coast at Lundy Island, it is on 

 the Scotch and Irish shores that the gannet is found in great numbers ; the Bass 

 Rock being, however, the only station on the eastern coast where these birds resort 



COMMON GANNET (-? liat. size). 



for breeding. Gannets are also abundant in the Orkneys and Hebrides, and although 

 less numerous on the Norwegian coasts, reappear in vast swarms on the shores of 

 North America. The gannets on the Bass Eock have been so frequently described, 

 that it will be unnecessary to give any account of the wondrous scene here. It 

 may be mentioned, however, that the birds usually assemble in March, although 

 laying does not generally commence till May ; and some idea of the vast numbers 

 of these birds may be obtained from the fact that formerly from fifteen hundred to 

 two thousand young have been taken in a season. The nest, which is generally some 



