PETRELS. 245 



in the North Sea. Occasionally storm-driven birds 

 may be met with close inshore. The Fulmar 

 Petrel is one of the most familiar birds of high 

 latitudes, following in the wake of whaling vessels 

 and sealers, and known to the sailors by the name 

 of " Molly Mawk." In its actions above the sea, 

 the Fulmar very closely resembles a Gull, beating 

 about in the same dilatory manner, and searching 

 for any food chancing to float upon the surface, 

 following in the wake of vessels for miles to pick 

 up the scraps thrown overboard. Its usual food, 

 however, appears to be cuttlefish and sorrel. It is 

 also very partial to whale blubber. It often alights 

 upon the sea, either to rest or sleep, or to eat its 

 food ; whilst its flight is not only powerful, but 

 capable of being sustained for long periods. When 

 searching for food, this bird flies close to the waves, 

 every now and then gliding along with wings 

 nearly motionless, maintaining its speed with a 

 few vigorous beats from time to time. 



The Fulmar Petrel becomes by far the most 

 interesting at its breeding stations. These, how- 

 ever, are isolated and few. In the British area 

 there is only one important nesting place of this 

 species, and that is at St. Kilda a group of rocky 

 turf-covered islets, that form an ideal haunt for every 

 species of Petrel that frequents the British seas, or 

 even a considerable portion of the North Atlantic. 

 A fortnight's sojourn on St. Kilda has made me 

 familiar with many of the Fulmar's habits during 



