OBSERVATIONS ON THE GANNET. 



the air passes through axillary pipes, into a thick 

 vesicular cellular membrane that covers the 

 muscles, and envelopes the whole body. The 

 structure, however, of the gannet, although pro- 

 bably intended for similar purposes^ is very dif- 

 ferent from that of the pelican, according to the 

 relation of that naturalist. 



The gannet differs materially from its con> 

 geners, the Corvorant and Shag, in being extreme- 

 ly buoyant, floating on the surface of the water 

 like a gull ; whereas those species of Pelecanns 

 sink deep in the bosom of the water : it is there- 

 fore reasonable to conclude, that the gannet, like 

 the gull, is incapable of immersion, and conse- 

 quently cannot pursue its prey under water*. 



During the season that they frequent the Bri- 

 tish Channel, they are easily captured, as they 

 rise with difficulty, unless against the wind % con- 

 sequently by keeping to windward, they are readily 

 run down by the assistance of two or three boats, 

 for they never attempt to evade their pursuers by 



* The ieg-bone or tibia of the gannet is remarkably 

 broad in front, not compressed, as is usual with those 

 birds who pursue their prey under water. The serrated 

 middle claw cannot be indicative of its habits, since 

 many land-birds are equally furnished with a similar for- 

 mation, the use of which has never been discovered, 



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