260 THE GUILLEMOT. 



of the small inland lakes to another, are so terrified 

 by loud shouts, that they will frequently fall down ; 

 and if they drop on the grass or heather, are easily 

 caught by hand, as from the awkward position of 

 their legs, which, though well suited for water, are 

 by no means adapted for land, they can neither walk 

 nor take wing again. 



The Guillemots constitute a family of sea-birds 

 in many respects resembling the Divers, but with 

 wings still shorter: the chief distinction, however, 

 is their having no hind-toe or thumb ; they live on 

 fish and crabs, and when on land frequent ledges of 

 rocks ; where they build their nests. The species best 

 known to us is that called the Foolish Guillemot 

 (Colymbus troile\ a name probably acquired by its 

 apparent stupidity, in not only allowing a very near 

 approach, but even frequently remaining within shot, 

 although its companions may have been killed close 

 to it. These are the birds which so often attract 

 the attention of passengers in steam-boats, by re- 

 maining quietly tossing on the waves, without seem- 

 ing to notice the noise and splashing of the paddles ; 

 seldom, if ever, taking flight, but usually diving and 

 rising again at short distances. The bird, however, 

 by no means merits its character for stupidity, as 

 those who are the most experienced fowlers find it 

 a very difficult matter to catch them, except by 

 means of snares laid near their nests. 



Closely allied with these, and by many naturalists 

 more or less associated with them, are the Alca 

 tribes, comprising, amongst other birds, our Eazor- 

 bills and Puffins, which, although not generally 

 scattered over our shores, are found in prodigious 



