Peter EL^ Cluf. exot, 368. Datnp. Voy. 3. p. 97, 

 Stoimfinch, or little Petterd. Alb, av. S. t. 92. 



JVilL Oni.p. 395. 

 Stormy Petkel. Arci, Zool. 2.p, 636, n. 464. 



This is our fmallefl kind of Petrel, being in fize not larger than a 

 fwallow, and meafuring in length only fix inches. Thefe birds are 

 feldom feen on land except in the breeding feafon, but are met with 

 in moft latitudes at fea ; large flocks of them often fettle about fhips 

 to reft themfelves, efpecially in the Atlantic ocean. When they fly 

 low, and hover clofe round the ftern of the fhip, it is confidcred by 

 mariners as the certain prelude of a ftorm. 



The Stormy Petrel fwims and dives extremely well, and is ob- 

 ferved to remain much longer under water than almoft any other bird. 

 They are generally on the wing, flcimming the furface of the waves, 

 or dipping into the water. It is aftonifhing to fee with what a perfeft 

 degree of fafety this little creature can brave the perils of the tempeft, 

 gliding with the utmoft velocity over the furface of the waves, then 

 plunging into the deep, and rifing again upon the fummits of the 

 billows. 



The food of thefe little birds appear to be the fmall fifh and marine 

 worms which they catch in fwimming or diving. In the night-time 

 they are very noify, though feldom heard in the day, unlefs in cloudy 

 weather. They are fupp@fed to breed in the northern i'fles of Scot- 

 land* 



