27 



* CORMORANT. Phalacrocorax Carbo. Jenyns, p. 262, 

 Bewick's Br. B., vol. 2, p. 343. Common. 



* SHAG. P. Cristatus. Jenyns, p. 262. Bewick's Br. B„ 

 vol. 2, p. 351. Common. 



* GANNET. Sula Bassana, Jenyns, p. 263. Bewick's 



Br. B., vol. 2, p. 353. This Bird is not known to breed in 

 Cornwall, but according to Dr. E. Moore, it frequents 

 Lundy Island for that purpose, in considerable numbers,, 

 Specimens in various Stages of Plumage are seen with us 

 in all the months of the year, though the adult Birds are 

 most abundant in Antumn and Winter ; at which time 

 their falling on Pilchards is an indication of the presence 

 of these Fish, and a guide to the Fishermen, in the direc- 

 tion they are pursuing. The Gannct takes its prey in a 

 different manner from any other of our Aquatic Birds ; 

 for traversing the air in all directions with an heavy and 

 irregular flight, as soon as it discovers the Fish it rises to 

 such an height as experience shows best calculated to carry 

 it by a downward motion, to the required depth ; and then 

 partially closing its wings, it falls perpendicularly on the 

 prey, and rarely without success, the time between the 

 plunge and emersion being about fifteen seconds. When 

 Pilchards are collected into a narrow space, the number 

 and eagerness of the Gannets are such, that it is surprising 

 they do not fall on and kill each other. Their clamour 

 indeed, at such times proves tbem to be well on their 

 guard ; but it is also probable that every one in falling 

 has its eye fixed on the fish it intends to seize ; and the 

 well poized wings direct it unerringly to its prey. The 

 form and setting on of the Gannet's wings well fit it for 

 assuming the perpendicular attitude preparatory to its fall, 

 which is effected with ease, rapidity and precision. They 

 are attached to the body about the centre of gravity, so 

 that the anterior parts drop as on a pivot; and the elbow 

 being about the middle of the distance between the shoulder 

 and wrist a slight inclination in any direction is sufficient 

 to regulate the motion. 



TERNS. 



SANDWICH TERN. Sterna Canliaca. Jenyns, p. 265. 



Bewick's Br. B., vol. 2, p. 188. Rare. One was shot at 



Looe in March. 

 ROSEATE TERN. S. Dougallii. Jenyns, p. 265. Bewick's 



Br. B., vol. 2, Sup. p. 23. A few Cornish Specimens are 



recorded. 



* COMMON TERN. S. Hirundo. Jenyns, p. 266. Bewick's 



Br. B., vol.2, p. 184. Miret; a name which from this 

 Species is extended indiscriminately to the whole genus. 



