94 
N£STS AND EGGS OF 
There is not the slightest evidence, so far as our investigations have 
extended, to show that any attemjjts have ever been made to nest along 
the shores of this country. The fact that the species breeds on the islands 
in the Bay of Fundy, would seem to warrant the belief that they may yet 
be found to visit the coast of Maine for this purpose. There seems to be 
no good reason why they should not do so, as the maritime parts of this 
State are apparently as well adapted for nesting as the islands just men- 
tioned. 
Be this as it may, cool northern localities seem to be more advan- 
tageous, and there, along with the Guillemots as their neighbors, the sub- 
ject of our sketch establishes his home and rears his little family. 
In boreal regions where the amatory forces are not called into action 
as early as in more southern climes, by reason of the greater degrees of 
cold which prevail, the acquirement of food seems to exercise such a con- 
trolling influence over bird-nature, that all other duties are held under 
temporary restraint. Consequently, matrimonial relations are not entered 
into as early as in warmer latitudes. This essential business is delayed, 
and is only warmed into activity when the sun has reached the northern 
limits of its course. 
About the beginning of June, there occurs a lull in foraging transac- 
tions, and the sexes become suddenly aware of the object of their creation. 
Mating is at once entered into, but with what appearance of show, we are 
unable to say. 
Having attended to this duty, without further ado, they seek them- 
selves out a spot in which to lay their egg or eggs. For this purpose a 
horizontal cavern or some exposed locality is generally chosen. But when 
they deposit their eggs along with the Guillemots, which they are occa- 
sionally disposed to do, they drop them in situations from which the water 
can escape without offering any material injury thereto. 
In deep Assures, many birds lie together, and j^lace their eggs upon 
small beds of pebbles or broken stones, which are raised a couple of 
