LITTLE AUK. 



95 



harbinger of ice. It lays tivo bluish white eggs,^' larger than those 

 of the Pigeon. It flies quick, and dives well; and is always dip- 

 ping its bill into the water while swimming, or at rest on that 

 element. Walks better on land than others of the genus. It grows 

 fat in the stormy season, from the waves bringing plenty of crabs 

 and small fish within its reach. It is not a very crafty bird, and 

 may be easily taken. It varies to quite white; and sometimes is 

 found with a reddish breast.t 



To the anatomist, the internal organization of this species is 

 deserving attention : it is so constructed as to be capable of con- 

 tracting or dilating itself at pleasure. We know not what Nature 

 intends by this conformation, unless it be to facilitate diving, for 

 which the compressed form is well adapted ; and likewise the body 

 when expanded will be rendered more buoyant, and fit for the pur- 

 pose of swimming upon the surface of the water. 



* Birds of the Auk genus are said to lay but one egg. 



I Lath am. Pennant. 



