156 PUFFIN AUK. ^ Class II. 



gi-ation, that neither Puffin, Razor-Bill, Guil- 

 lemot, or Tern, was to be seen there. 



I must add, that they lay only one egg, which 

 differs much in form; some have one end very 

 acute; others have both extremely obtuse; all 

 are white. 



Their flesh is excessively rank, as they feed on 

 sea weeds and fish, especially Sprats ; but when 

 pickled and preserved with spices, are admired 

 by those who love high eating. Dr. Caius tells 

 us, that in his days the church allowed them in 

 lent, instead offish; he also acquaints us, that 

 they were taken by means of ferrets, ais we do 

 rabbits ; at present they are either dug out, or 

 drawn from their burrows by a hooked stick; 

 they bite extremely hard, and keep such hold 

 on whatsoever they fasten, as not to be easily 

 disengaged. Their noise when taken is very 

 disagreeable, being like the efforts of a dumb 

 person to speak. ;^ 3ofiflBp eis ^gtiuoy m 



Note OF Sea The notes of all the sea birds are extremely 

 °^^" harsh or inharmonious; we have often rested 

 under the rocks attentive to the various sounds 

 above our heads, which, mixed with the solemn 

 roar of the waves swelling into and retiring from 

 the vast caveras beneath, have produced a fine 

 effect. The sharp voice of the sea gulls, the 



