ANIMAL LIFE IJST THE GULF STREAM. 



653 



away. For the most part they feed upon refuse thrown overboard, 

 but are never fat and always hungry, due undoubtedly to the fact 

 that they are almost continually upon the wing, seldom being 



Fig. 4.— Flying-Pish (Exocoztus) pubsued by the Dolphin. 



seen resting. Hovering over the food in a peculiar manner, by 

 patting the water with its webbed feet and quickly napping its 

 wings, it appears to stand m 



on the water, and, following 

 the food as it is drifted 

 about, to walk along. Sail- 

 ors regard it with great su- 

 perstition, and believe that 

 some calamity will follow 

 the wanton killing of this 

 bird. They seem to have no 

 fear of man, for they con- 

 stantly flew near and aboard 

 the vessel. Attracted by the 

 lights, many flew aboard 

 at night, and, striking the 

 house, fell senseless to the 



deck. These birds must FlG ' 5 - _Stormt Pe tkel (Thalassidroma pelagica). 



have a very short and irregular breeding period, for they are 

 found several hundred miles from land, at all seasons of the year. 

 They probably go in flocks, at different times, to their favorite 

 breeding-place, and after a short period, having raised one brood, 

 they return. 



