48 
AliCAD,®. 
suppose, that the species is either becoming extinct, or even 
diminished in number, because it is not now so frequently 
obtained as formerly. Civilization may drive them further 
from the vicinity of the British shores, but can hardly dis¬ 
turb them from the possession of the barren and lonely 
rocks, in which they most delight. Besides, the spots most 
frequented by the Auk, are those least coveted by man : 
being usually situated in the midst of surf and breakers, 
and such as the present advanced state of navigation enables 
seamen, and even fishermen, to avoid. 
This species, possessing no available powers of flight, not 
even sufficient to raise itself from the ground, cannot be 
supposed to migrate, or change its locality on the wing. 
Its occasional appearance in unusual spots can only be at¬ 
tributed to its great ability in swimming, or to its having 
been carried by drift ice beyond its usual latitude. 
The Great Auk is altogether a sea-bird, and resorts only 
to the land, if the low rocks before mentioned can be so 
called, when fatigued, or during the breeding-season. The 
rocks selected as breeding-stations are those that are situated 
in the midst of the heaviest surf, and it is by the aid afforded 
by the Avaves that this creature is enabled to mount upon 
them, being destitute of the powers of flight; and on such 
shelves, or rocks, a party of them may occasionally be 
seen sitting side by side, and generally secure from molesta¬ 
tion. 
The size of the Great Auk, and the conspicuous white 
patch between the beak and the eye are unerring marks of 
distinction, by which it can at all times be easily recognised 
Avhen it shows itself on land ; its position under such cir¬ 
cumstances is mostly as represented in our plate ; its progress 
on shore is slow and careful, and in the action of walking 
it is aided in its progress by flapping its insignificant wings. 
