CrassIl. FULMAR PETREL. 
the quil feathers dusky; the legs yellowish. 
In lieu .of a back toe, it has only a sort of 
spur, or sharp strait nail. 
These birds feed on the blubber or fat of 
whales, &c. which, being soon convertible into 
oil, supplies them constantly with means of de- 
fence, as well as provision for their young. 
They are likewise said to feed on sorrel, which 
they use to qualify the unctuous diet they live 
on. Hrederick Martens, who had an opportunity 
of seeing vast numbers of this species at Spits- 
bergen, observes, that they are very bold, resort 
after the whale fishers in great flocks, and when 
a whale is taken, will, in spite of all endea- 
vours, light on it and pick out large lumps of 
fat, even when the animal is alive; that the 
whales are often discovered at sea by the mul- 
titudes of Mallemuckes flying near the spot ; and 
that when one of the former are wounded, prodi- 
gious’ multitudes immediately follow its bloody 
track. He adds, that it is a most gluttonous bird, 
eating till it is forced to disgorge its food. 
205 
