BIRDS. 373 



CHAP. V. 



THE CORMORANT. 



The Cormorant is about the size of a large Muscovy duck, 

 and may be distinguished from all other birds of this kind, by 

 its four toes being united by membranes together ; and by the 

 middle toe being toothed or notched like, a saw, to assist it in 

 holding its fishy prey. The head and neck of this bird are of a 

 sooty blackness ; and the body thick and heavy, more inclined in 

 figure to that of the goose than the gull. The bill is straight, 

 till near the end, v.here the upper chap bends into a hook. 



But notwithstanding the seeming heaviness of its make, there 

 are few birds more powerfully predaceous. As soon as the 

 winter approaches, they are seen dispersed along the sea-shore, 

 and ascending up the mouths of fresh- water rivers, carrying des- 

 truction to all the fumy tribe. Tliey are most remarkably voraci- 

 ous, and have a most sudden digestion. Their appetite is for ever 

 craving, and never satisfied. This gnawing sensation may pre 

 bably be increased by the great quantity of small worms that fill 

 their intestines, and which their unceasing gluttony contributes 

 to engender. 



Thus formed with the grossest appetites, this unclean bird 

 has the most rank and disagreeable smell, and is more fetid 

 than even carrion, when in its most healthful state. Its form, 



tjipso birds are said to foretell the arrival of ships ; which is frequently true, 

 and may arise from a very natural cause. They always fish in fine weatlu-r ; 

 Ri) that, when the wind is rouffh at sea, they retire into the harbours, wluTe 

 they are protected by the land ; and the same wind tliat bhnvs them in, 

 brings likewise whatever vessels may be exposed to its fury, to seek a 

 retreat from it. They devour fish with great gluttcmy and are often so 

 gorged as to be unabh? to fly. Their cry resembU's the braying of an ass. 



Tht! Chncohile Albntross. — This bird inhabits the Pacific Ocean, and is three 

 feet long. Tlie bill is whitish ; the body of a deep chestnut brown colour; 

 belly pale ; face and wings beneath whitish. The irides are bro«'n ; tli(> 

 legs bluish white, with white claws. 



The Yellow.Nused Albatross.— The, colotir is white ; the bill is black ; keel 

 of the upper mandible, and base of the lower one, yellow ; the body above 

 is of a black. blue colour; beneath it is white. It inhabits the Pacific Ocean, 

 and is about three feet long. 'I he irides are brown ; the nape of the neck 

 and rump, white ; the legs are pale yellow ; the fore-part and connecting 

 membrane dusky. 



III. 2 I 



