Class II. FULMAR PETREL. 205 



the quil feathers dusky; the legs yellowish. 

 In lieu of a back toe, it has only a sort of 

 spur, or sharp strait nail. 



These birds feed on the blubber or fat of 

 whales, &c. which, being soon convertible into 

 oil, supplies them constantly with means of de- 

 fence, as well as provision for their young. 

 They are likewise said to feed on sorrel, which 

 they use to qualify the unctuous diet they live 

 on. Frederick Martens, who had an opportunity 

 of seeing vast numbers of this species at Spitz- 

 bergen, observes, that they are very bold, resort 

 after the whale fishers in great flocks, and when . 

 a w^hale is taken, will, in spite of all endea- • ~ 



vours, light on it and pick out large lumps of 

 fat, even when the animal is alive; that the 

 whales are often discovered at sea by the mul- 

 titudes of Mallemuckes flying near the spot ; and 

 that when one of the former are wounded, prodi- 

 gious multitudes immediately follow its bloody . 

 track. He adds, that it is a most gluttonous bird, -- ^^-^.ii. 

 eating till it is forced to disgorge its food. 



t:n 



