Vol. xxiii.] 80 



and it was suggested that it might be homologous 

 with the oil ejected by Petrels. 



2 & 3. The same bird about to leave its nesting-ledge, 

 with the wings raised preparatory to flight. Atten- 

 tion was called to the fact that though the wings 

 were almost fully raised the primary quills still 

 remained almost closed. 



4 & 5. The same bird flying past, the primary quills 

 being in perfect line with the secondaries and the 

 feet extended beneath the tail. When sweeping 

 up to its nest on the ledge of the cliff the Gannet 

 depresses and extends its tail to the utmost (No. 5), 

 momentarily throwing its whole body into a nearly 

 vertical position, and thus oflPering the greatest 

 possible resistance to the air. 



6. The bird in the act of landing on its nest, its wings 



high above its head. 



7. A slide taken a moment later than the last, showing 



that, despite the use of the " brakes '^ illustrated in 

 No. 5, the bird still retained sufficient momentum 

 to throw it forward on to its breast and wings. 

 In this position the tail was raised and extended to 

 the utmost to counteract the impact. 



8. A Gannet sitting on its nest in a state of great 



rage. 

 9-11. An adult Heron {Ardea cinered) at her nest in an 

 oak, illustrating first the great length of this bird's 

 neck and legs ; and then, how when covering her 

 eggs the legs are completely tucked out of sight 

 beneath her, and her neck folded down between 

 her shoulders. 



The young of this species appear to be quite 

 unable to recognise their parents ; for each time 

 an old bird returns to the colony laden with food 

 all the nestlings become wildly excited until the 

 food has been given by the parent to his or her 

 own offspring. 



