LITTLE GUILLEMOT. 309 
tion of the internal surface on each side covered with a hard cuticular 
lining; for the epithelium covers its whole surface, and is of consider- 
able extent. The gastric glands are not at all disposed as represented 
by Sir E. Home, but are aggregated in the form of a compact belt half 
an inch broad, Fig. 2. 4, ¢. As to the ingenious reasoning by which 
the economy of the Little Auk is so satisfactorily accounted for, it is 
enough here to say, that having no foundation, it is of less than no 
value. But were there such a curvature as that in question, there 
could be no propriety in supposing that it presented any great obstacle 
to the passage of the food, or retained it longer than usual. Nor is 
the statement as to scanty and precarious supply of nourishment cor- 
rect; for the Arctic Seas, to which this bird resorts in vast numbers, 
are represented by navigators as abounding in small crustacea, on which 
chiefly the Little Auk feeds, and that to such an extent as to colour 
the water for leagues. Besides, if there were such a scarcity of food 
in Nova Zembla, why should the birds go there? In short, the whole 
statement is incorréct; and the many compilers, from Dr Carus to 
the most recent, who have pressed it into their service, may, in their 
future editions, with propriety leave it out, and supply its place with 
something equally ingenious. 
The egg of this’ species measures one inch and nearly five-eighths 
in length, one inch and an eighth in its greatest breadth. It is re- 
markably large for the size of the bird, and of a dull uniform pale 
greenish- blue. 
