514 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [24] 



But so suddenly, so unexpectedly, and so thoroughly was it obliter- 

 ated that in all the museums of the United States there was only one 

 skeleton — more properly a dried mummified specimen — of Alca impennis. 

 And with few exceptions the museums of Europe, as well as those of 

 this country, were without any osteological remains of the species. A 

 few bones dug from shell heaps, or accidentally found in out-of-the-way 

 places were considered valuable prizes. 



It will thus be seen that the procurement of a large collection of the 

 remains of the great auk was a matter of special importance, whether 

 considered from the stand-point of science or the more practical bearing 

 of the historical relation of the species to the fisheries. The details of 

 the magnitude of this collection, as well as many interesting facts relat- 

 ing to the obtainment of it, and the history of the great auk, are given 

 in the National Museum publications for 1887-8 and need not be re 

 peated here. 



It may, perhaps, suffice to say that the collection of remains of 

 the great auk exceeds in magnitude all others. Several skeletons 

 have already been mounted, and Mr. Lucas is authority for stating that 

 probably ten in all will be made. Leg and wing bones were obtained 

 of more than 700 birds. 



Among the species of sea-birds collected which are most important, 

 so far as the fisheries are concerned, the following may be mentioned 

 here: 



Garmet (SuJa bassana). 



A large and full series, consisting of eggs, embryos, nestlings, and adults. 

 Arctic Tern (Sterna paradis(ca). 



A series similar to the above, with the addition of nests of various forms. 

 Kittiwake Gull (Iiissa tridactyla) . 



A full series, including nests. 

 Herring Gull (Lams argentatus smithsonianus). 



Nestlings and adults. 

 Bonaparte's Gull (Larus pliiladelpMce). 



Young and adults. 

 Razor-billed Auk (Alca torda). 



A full series ; eggs, embryos, young, and adults. 

 Murre ( Uria troile and lomvia). 



A full series ; eggs, embryos, young, and adults. 

 Puffin (Fratercula arctica). 



A full series as*above. 

 Red Phalarope (Phalarojms fulicarius). 



Adults. 

 Common Hagdon or Great Shearwater (Puffinus major). 



Adults. 

 Black Guillemot (Cepplnis grijlle). 



Young in first plumage and adults. 



■ Besides the above, several other varieties were obtained, and in all 

 cases, including the species above mentioned, enough specimens were 

 secured to have a series of skins and skeletons made of all adult birds. 



