26 



ELEMENTS OP OKN ITHOLOeX . 



bccssana), we meet once more with an Oceanic form. It may | 

 serve as the type o£ a very small group of Marine Birds widely! 

 distributed in the Tropics. 



The Gannet is a somewhat ungainly Bird, a little smaller 

 than a Goose, and awkward in its movements on the land. 

 Not only is it a perfect swimmer, but it is also remarkable 

 for its wonderful powers of flight, soaring to great heights 



Fig. 24. 



The Darter {Flatus anhinga). 



and traversing a hundred miles or more of aerial space in 

 one day. Though not possessed of the powers of diving which 

 Darters and Divers enjoy, the Gannet, large and heavy bird 

 though it be, will suddenly descend and plunge directly dowiiF" 

 wards to catch the fish on which it feeds most greedily. It is 

 very local as to its breeding-places, there being but few such in 



