532 



DIVING BIRDS. 



they are situated. The wings are more or less short ; and the tail is graduated, 

 with its component feathera pointed. 



On account of its extinction within the present century, as well 



as from being the largest representative of the family, and the only 



bird in the Northern Hemisphere incapable of flight, the great auk, or garefowl 



GREAT AUK (J nat. size). 



{Alca iTnpennis), is of great interest. In common with many other northern 

 sea-birds, it was formerly known as the penguin, — a name now transferred to the 

 well-known birds of the Southern Hemisphere. In size, the great auk may be 

 roughly compared to a goose, its total length being about 32 inches. It was 

 especially characterised by the rudimentary condition of the wings, which, owing 



