THE CORMORANT. 413 



be able to discover the cause why the kittiwake, which is seen in 

 such countless thousands from Flamborough Head to Bempton, 

 should shun the Raincliff, which apparently differs in nothing but 

 height from the other parts of this bold and rocky shore. 



I am positive that we have not two species of cormorant in Great 

 Britain. The crested cormorant, with a white spot on each thigh, 

 is merely the common cormorant in his nuptial dress. This is not 

 the only bird which becomes highly ornamented during the breeding 

 season. On some future day, when the storms of winter forbid all 

 access to the fields, and condemn me to the dull monotony of life 

 within doors, I may possibly take up the pen, and write down a few 

 remarks upon the change of plumage in birds. 



The flesh of the cormorant possesses no flavour that would suit the 

 palate of our modern epicures. Hence it is despised by aldermen, 

 and, of course, never served up at a Lord Mayor of London's feast. 

 On the sea-coast, this poor bird is shot at by marksmen through mere 

 wanton pastime ; and when he takes a flight inland, he runs great 

 risk of never getting back again to sea ; for nobody will befriend him, 

 on account of his well-known inclination to make too free with the 

 contents of well-stored fish-ponds. Still, for my own part, I love to 

 see him come this way. Stay here, poor wandering mariner, as long 

 as it pleases thee to do so. The sight of thee puts me in mind of 

 happy hours I spent in reading the " Metamorphoses " at the Jesuits' 

 College. Well do I remember how beautifully the poet tells thy 

 affecting story, before thou wert reduced to the necessity of diving 

 for a livelihood. I do not care if thou takest all the eels in the lake. 

 Thou art welcome to them. I am well aware that thy stomach re- 

 quires a frequent and a large supply. So, pr'ythee, help thyself. 



