The Can net. i-is 



Gannets would appear to be very Iohl; lived birds, for tlie keeper of the Bass 

 Rock informed Professor Ciniiiiii.i;li;Liii, lli.'it lie li.-id recognised, from particular and 

 well known marks, certain individuals thai in\ariably returned to the same spot 

 to breed, for upwards of forty years. 



The Gannet used to be considered a delicacy for the table, being served, according 

 to the Mickleton MSS, quoted above, doubtless to the Judges of Assize, in 1628, 

 by the Sheriif of Northumberland. In 1660, it was also a choice dish in Scotland, 

 (where it was known as "Gentleman"), a plucked Goose costing one shilling and 

 eightpence of the ciirrency of that date. Few of those, who have tried, in recent 

 years, even the youngest and tenderest looking birds, speak of the dish as either 

 "delicate," or "choice." 



" I have seen statements," says Mr. Booth, who kept numbers of these inter- 

 esting birds in captivity, " to the effect that the Gannet is unsuited to coniinement, 

 and ill repays the consideration with which it is treated. The poor creatures are 

 by nature endowed with a voracious appetite, and if starved necessaril}- become 

 ravenous and possibly spiteful. When looked after b}' those acquainted with their 

 i-equirements, and willing to supply them with a sufficient quantity of food — 

 mackerel, herrings, and sprats are their favourite fare — none of the feathered tribe 

 could be found whose habits are more interesting, and but few so harmless and 

 gentle." 



END OF VOLUME THREE. 



BRUMBY AND CLARKE, LTD., PRINTERS. HULL AND LONDON. 



