Birds. 9123 
determination to work out the history of the gare-fowl or northern penguin was formed 
prior to his acquaintance with Professor Steenstrup’s valuable discoveries, and to their 
publication in the elaborate and excellent article (Vidensk. Meddelelser, 1855, pp. 33 
—116) on this bird, to which it always gives me so much pleasure to refer. When 
Mr. Wolley, later (in 1856), became aware of what that illustrious naturalist had 
ascertained, he was more than ever bent upon prosecuting his researches ; and, acting 
upon the information I received from him, I at once set about doing what I could to 
further them.* Believing at the time that no example of the bird’s skeleton existed 
in any of the European museums, and having great confidence in the trustworthiness 
of Herr Stuvitz’s statement, as given by Professor Steenstrup (Joc. cit.), that there were 
still many of its bones to be found on Funk Island, I began to address letters of 
inquiry respecting them to almost every one I could hear of in Newfoundland who 
seemed likely to be able to give assistance. I need not here go into details. For a 
long time I could get no response from any of those to whom I wrote; some of my 
epistles were returned to me through the dead-letter office ; and occasionally I almost 
despaired of calling attention to the subject in that colony. At last I had the great 
pleasure of receiving from the clergyman of the Island of Fogo, the Rev. Reginald M. 
Johnson, a reply which, in the most obliging terms, promised me his valuable help in 
the matter. Still the chances of procuring specimens of bones that would really be 
serviceable towards determining the osteology of Alca impennis were not good, Though 
when Stuvitz, in 1841, visited Funk Island the bones were in quantities (i Mengde), 
many causes during the time that had since elapsed might have scattered or destroyed 
them. The locality, as I have before shown, was a distant one, and, like all resorts of 
the gare-fowl as far as I know them, not easy of access. Stuvitz stated there were but 
two landing-places, and these only to be attained by a hazardous leap (kun ved et 
voveligt Spring). These latter particulars were confirmed by Mr. Johnson; and in the 
last letter which I had from that gentleman (only a few weeks ago) he told me he had 
come to the gallant determination to make the expedition himself, as without him he 
was sure all endeavours to obtain the bones would fail. Meanwhile the Bishop of 
Newfoundland, in the course of one of his visitations, had been shown by Mr. Johnson 
my letters, enclosing sketches of the principal bones and other papers relating to the 
subject, and most kindly volunteered to give me all the aid in the matter which his 
high position afforded. When the Members of this Society know the result, I think 
they will congratulate me on my good furtune in having excited bis lordship’s interest. 
After several other friendly letters, I had three days ago the great pleasure of receiving 
one in which the Bishop informed me his success had surpassed anything I could have 
anticipated; for his lordship had done no less than secure me what may be not inaptly 
called the “ mummy” of an Alca impennis, which, baving come into my hands yester- 
day, I have now the honour of exhibiting to the Society. It appears that the Colonial 
Government have recently conceded tu a Mr. Glindon the privilege of removing the soil 
from Funk Island; for this soil, being highly charged with organic matter, is conse- 
quently valuable as manure when imported to Boston and other places in North 
America. The Bishop, through Mr. N. R. Vail, a gentleman of the United States, 
well informed on scientific subjects; and therefure aware of the interesting nature of 
the research, made application to the lessee of Funk Island, who ordered his men 
* Cf.‘ The Ibis, 1861, p. 397. 
