278 NATURALIST'S CABINET 



Edwards's account of its figure. 



opportunities have occurred whereby the particu- 

 lars of its natural history could be obtained, and 

 therefore that little which has been mentioned 

 must be subject to some doubt. In speaking of its 

 figure, Edwards appears to be the most correct; 

 he says, " the body is rather larger than that of 

 the pelican ; and its wings, when extended, ten 

 feet from tip to tip. The bill, which is six inches 

 long, is yellowish, and terminates in a crooked 

 point. The top of the head is of a bright brown ; 

 the back is of a dirty deep spotted brown ; and 

 the belly and under the wings is white : the toes, 

 which are webbed, are of a flesh colour." 



Such are the principal traits which this author 

 points out in the albatross's figure; but of any 

 peculiarities in its manners and disposition, which 

 might lead us to some knowledge of its history, 

 the greatest part of our naturalists have been en- 

 tirely silent. A bird has however been described 

 by Wicquefort, under the title of the Alcatraz, 

 which, from its size, colours, and choice of its 

 prey, leaves no room to doubt of its being the same 

 we have tinder consideration. He describes it 

 as a kind of great gull, as large in the body as a 

 goose, of a brown colour, with a long bill, and 

 living upon fish, of which they kill great num- 

 bers. 



" This bird is an inhabitant of the tropical cli- 

 mates, and also beyond them as far as the Straits 

 of Magellan in the South Seas. It is one of the 

 most fierce and formidable of the aquatic tribe, 

 pot only living upon fish, but also such small 



