272 
Gould's description. 
in many respects differing from them in outward appearance, 
in the proportions of their parts, and in their habits. 
Species of this genus occur in both hemispheres. They 
fly at a moderate height, with a steady motion, and on dis- 
covering their prey in the water, plunge headlong after it ; 
on emerging, rest a little, and then fly off to renew the 
search. They never swim about in searching for food, and 
are seldom to be seen resting on the water. 
The species above-named is a large and strongly con- 
structed bird, generally measuring about thirty-six inches 
in length. The plumage is mostly white ; there is a light 
yellowish red tinge about the head and hind neck, and the 
larger quills are brownish black ; the bill is bluish grey, 
and there are bare spaces about the eyes, of the same 
colour. 
We abridge the following description of this species from 
Mr. Gould's valuable work on ' The Birds of Europe : ' — 
The seas bordering the European shores are the natural habitat of 
the Solan Gannet (Sula bassana^ Bris.), and nowhere is it more 
common during summer than on the rugged and precipitous coasts of 
Scotland, especially the Bass Rock, the isles of Ailsa, St. Kilda, &c., 
where they breed in vast multitudes : these situations, in fact, appear 
to be the principal nursery for this race. On the approach of autumn 
they leave their rocky breeding-places, and go further out to sea, 
the greater number passing considerably to the south, feeding on 
herrings, pilchards, and other fishes. The flight of the Gannet is 
extremely rapid, and capable of being long sustained; hence it traverses 
the wide surface of the ocean with comparative ease. It is seldom 
found in flocks out at sea, but mostly alone, dispersed apparently in 
search of food. On the approach of spring they return to their 
accustomed rendezvous, which is generally preserved from molestation 
and farmed by persons who make a profit of the feathers and the 
young birds. While sitting on their nest, which is composed of sea- 
weed and other similar materials, they are so absorbed in the task 
of incubation, that they will sometimes permit themselves to be 
approached, and even handled, without quitting it. They lay but a 
single white egg, which in size is between those of a Cormorant and 
a common Goose. From the time it is hatched till it arrives at 
maturity, no bird undergoes a more marked change in the colour cf 
its plumage. Mr. Selby was informed by two persons who rent the 
Bass Rock, that the Gannet is four years in attaining a permanent 
state of plumage, and until this period has elapsed it is not known 
to breed. The first year's plumage (as that of the foregoing 
