ARCTIC CINEREOUS SHEARWATER. 113 



according to the present system of defining species, 

 be considered as varieties of each other, as will be 

 readily conceded on comparing the tAvo figures and 

 the diagnosis of each. 



This species is well known in high latitudes, chiefly 

 in the north-west Atlantic. It is very common in 

 Newfoundland, where, according to Temminck, it breeds 

 in thousands, and it occurs occasionally in the north 

 of Europe. It is the lower figure of Yarrell's 

 "British Birds," vol. iii, p. 624, where an account is 

 given of its capture on several occasions in Great 

 Britain. In size and locality it agrees very well with 

 the description of the Wandering Shearwater given by 

 the American writers. Occasionally it is found in the 

 north-west of Europe, but it belongs to the Arctic 

 fauna, and its appearance in our latitudes is purely 

 accidental. 



"On aj)proaching the banks of NcAvfoundland," says 

 Nuttall, "but far west of soundings, we see the soaring 

 and wandering Lestris, and every day the wild 

 Shearwater, but more particularly in blowing and 

 squally weather; sometimes also in fine weather we see 

 them throughout the day. Their course in the air is 

 exceedingly swift and powerful. With their long wings 

 outstretched and almost motionless, they sweep over 

 the wild waves, fearless of every danger, flying out in 

 vast curves, watching at the same time for their finny 

 prey. Like the Stormy Petrel, they are often seen to 

 trip upon the water with extended feet and ojien 

 wings; they likewise dive for small fish, and find an 

 advantage in the storm, whose pellucid mountain waves 

 bring to view its shining prey to more advantage; it 

 is therefore often seen most active at such times, 

 watching the sweeping billow as it rises and foams 



