Periodical 
visitant. 
Tncuba- 
tion, &c. 
440 NATATORES. FRATERCULA. PUFFIN. 
Autuoucu the Pufiin is found in very high latitudes, and 
its distribution through the arctic circle is extensive, it is on- 
ly known to us as a summer visitant, and that from the 
south, making its first appearance, in the vicinity of its 
breeding stations, about the middle of April, and regularly 
departing between the 10th and 20th of August for the 
southern coasts of France, Spain, and other parts of Europe, 
where it passes the remainder of the year. It breeds in great 
numbers upon Priestholm Island, off the coast of Anglesea, 
on the Isle of Man, and most of the islands, indeed, of the 
English and Scottish coasts. Many resort to the Fern Is- 
lands, selecting such as are covered with a stratum of vege- 
table mould; and here they dig their own burrows, from 
there not being any rabbits to dispossess upon the particular 
islets they frequent. They commence this operation about 
the first week in May, and the hole is generally excavated to 
the depth of three feet, often in a curving direction, and oc- 
casionally with two entrances. When engaged in digging, 
which is principally performed by the males, they are some- 
times so intent upon their work, as to admit of being taken 
by hand, and the same may also be done during incubation. 
At this period I have frequently obtained specimens, by 
thrusting my arm into the burrow, though at the risk of re- 
ceiving a severe bite from the powerful and sharp-edged bill 
of the old bird. At the farther end of this hole the single 
egg is deposited, which in size nearly equals that of a Pullet, 
and, as PrENNanT observes, varying in form; in some in- 
stances one end being acute, and in others both equally ob- 
tuse. Its colour, when first laid, is white (Montacu adds, 
sometimes spotted with pale cinereous, though I do not re- 
collect having met with such), but it soon becomes soiled and 
dirty from its immediate contact with the earth, no materials 
being collected for a nest at the end of the burrow. The 
young are hatched after a month’s incubation, and are then 
covered with a long blackish down above, which gradually 
gives place to the feathered plumage, so that, at the end of 
