PEOCELLARIA GLACIALOIDES. 



dible is strongly arched and pointed, and its superior edge near its commence- 

 ment projects slightly above the culmen ; the latter is flat and separated 

 from the lateral portion of the mandible on each side by a distinct 

 longitudinal groove ; the cutting edge of the lower mandible arched at the 

 point, but the point itself is not prolonged downwards below the lower 

 edge of the bill, in which respect it differs from several of the smaller 

 species, though not materially from some of them. Tarsi robust, and coated 

 with small flat scales, which are partly angular and partly rounded ; the 

 latter are the smallest, and chiefly disposed posteriorly. Anterior toes 

 strong, each terminated by a long, slender, and slightly curved claw ; a 

 short, strong, and somewhat cylindrical claw in the place of the hinder toe; 

 the anterior margin of web between outer and middle toe nearly truncate, 

 between the middle and inner oblique. Wing long, and when folded extends 

 about half an inch beyond the point of the tail; the outer wing feather the 

 longest, and exceeds in length tlie second by nearly half an inch. Tail 

 rounded, the outermost feather of each side fully an inch shorter than the 

 middle ones. 



DIMENSIONS. 



Inches. Lines. 



liL'iigth from the tip of tlic Ijill to 



the j)oiut of the tail 18 



of the bill from the gape 2 (I 



of the wings when folded 12 4- 



of the tail 5 



luches. Lines. 



Lengtli of the tarsus 1 11 



of the outer toe 2 1 



of the middle toe 1 Hi 



of the inner toe 1 J^ 



of the hinder toe l| 



The colours of the plumage in the female are similar to those of the male. 



In many respects this species has a strong resemblance to Procellaria glacialis of authors, 

 but the greater length of its bill supplies an efficient diagnostic character by vvliich it is to be 

 distinguished. Had the bill merely been longer, I should have hesitated before I considered it 

 distinct, as the degree of development of an organ is not to be made available as a specific 

 character. The length of the bill, however, is not only greater, but the thickness is also 

 different, being inferior to that of P. glacialis, and neither are ever otherwise in anv individual 

 of the Cape species. 



While the smaller Petrils almost constantly resort to the open sea, this species often hunts 

 for its food in the neighbourhood of the South African coasts, and even frequently enters the 

 bays, apparently for the same purpose. It flies higher above the surface of the water than the 

 smaller species, rests more frequently, and seems well disposed to feed upon dead animal matter 

 when such can be obtained. 



