14 Vallentin, Notes on the Falkland Islands. 



Intermingled with these Rock-hoppers, but always 

 perched near the edge of some steep slope, from whence, 

 with one spring, they could launch into the air, were 

 scattered couples of the * Mollymauk ' or lesser Albatross 

 {Dwmedea melanophrys). On our approaching a pair of 

 these birds, they would put their heads together and move 

 them up and down, as if criticizing the personal appear- 

 ance of the visitor, but never attempt to molest him, 

 although a very severe bite could be inflicted with their 

 powerful bills. Indeed, these beautiful birds were so 

 harmless, that I stroked several with my hand, while 

 admiring the softness of their feathers and their spotless 

 condition. But I fear my remarks, if understood, were 

 not appreciated, for they always turned their heads away 

 as if disgusted ; giving vent at the same time to low 

 crooning sounds, which, if not loud, were deep and 

 singularly suggestive of bad language. The nests, which 

 Avere numerous, were most interesting. Each was in- 

 variably made of the semi-liquid filth abounding in the 

 rookery. This evil - smelling compound was deftly 

 gathered in the bill and placed where it was required by 

 the birds. I observed one Mollymauk carefully repairing 

 a broken side of its nest in this manner. I was greatly 

 struck with the fact that although she was handling such a 

 foul mixture, yet she dexterously managed to keep herself 

 spotless. My impression is that these birds are most 

 particular about their personal appearance, and resemble 

 in this respect the Emperor Penguin {Aptenodytes 

 Forsteri). An individual nest is cylindrical in outline, and 

 measures sixteen inches in diameter at the top, a slight 

 concavity, three inches in depth, occupying the centre. 

 Speaking generally, the nest is raised sufficiently from the 

 surrounding ground so as to enable the sitting bird to 

 spread its wings and launch itself at once into the air. I 



