216 THE PETREL. 



water, the lightness of their bodies, and the action of 

 the wind on their wings enable them to do this (that 

 is, to stand on the surface of the water,) with ease. 

 In calm weather, they perform the same manoeuvre, 

 by keeping their wings just so much in action as to 

 prevent their feet from sinking below the surface. 

 According to Buffon, it is from this singular habit that 

 these birds are named Petrel, the name being derived 

 from Peter, the apostle, who, the Scripture informs 

 us, walked upon the water. 



