266 LAKID.E. 



GENUS CXIV. PUFFINUS (SHEARWATER). 



SPECIES 257 THE CINEREOUS SHEARWATER. 



Puffinus cinereus. Selby. 



Petrel cendre. Temm. 



Hagdown. 



THE CINEREOUS SHEARWATER is a species of great rarity 

 in its occurrence, the principal information being that con- 

 tributed by Mr. Robert Davis, of Clonmel, to Mr. Thomp- 

 son's work ; and, from that gentleman having observed their 

 habits in confinement, unnoticed by any previous observer, 

 they are well worthy of our notice.* " The first specimen was 

 taken in August, 1835, near Dungarvan, county of Water- 

 ford, and was sent to me alive. It was apparently in good 

 health, but would not eat anything, and died, after being in 

 my possession for about ten days or a fortnight. It had an 

 extremely rank, fishy, or oily smell at all times, but I never 

 saw any appearance of oil being discharged from its mouth 

 or nostrils. It seemed unable to walk, but scrambled along 

 with its breast about an inch from the ground. Although its 

 wings were perfect and uninjured, it made no attempt to fly, 

 but if let fall from a height dropped heavily to the ground. 

 It showed an inclination to climb, having several times 

 mounted up the handle of a long spade that rested against 

 the wall of the yard in which it was kept. It did not ramble 

 about, nor care for water, but when put in a large tub very 

 dexterously pulled itself up by the hooked bill, until the claws 

 got on the edge. When handled it bit severely." 



From subsequent observations by that gentleman, it ap- 

 pears to be not uncommon upon the Waterford coast, the 

 fishermen capturing them on a hook when employed in hake- 

 fishing, and " keeping them for weeks about their houses ; 

 in some instances the birds have become tame. They never 

 attempt to fly. I could not hear of this species having 

 ever been shot, or otherwise taken than on a hook. It is 

 commonly known by the name of hagdown." 



Mr. S. Moss, of Youghal, has kindly informed us of the 

 occasional occurrence of this shearwater, all being invariably 

 captured upon the hook, by the fishermen employed in their 

 avocations. 



Habitat Northern Europe. 



* Thompson. 



