57 
the longitudinal rays upon the tarse and 
upon the toes greyish white; webs ash- 
coloured brown; claws whitish. At the 
age of two years and during the moulting 
season, individuals ate found which have 
already many parts covered with white fea- 
thers, whilst other parts have brown 
feathers spotted with white. 
Linnaeus gave the name of Bassanus to 
this species from the immense number of 
them which frequent the Bass Island ^ (or 
* Nor does the rocks of St. Kilda seem to be less 
frequented by these birds ; for Mariin assures us, that 
" the inhabitants of that small island consume annually 
not less than 22,600 young birds of this species, besides 
an amazing quantity of their eggs ;" these being their 
principal support throughout the year : they preserve 
both eggs and fowls in small pyramidical stone build- 
ings, covering them with turf ashes, to preserve them 
from moisture. 
Pennant says that « the young birds are a favourite 
dish with the North Britons in general ; during the 
s eason they are constantly brought from the Bass Isle 
to Edinborough, sold at 20i. a piece, are roasted, and 
served up a little before dinner as a whet." 
A representation of the mode of taking these and 
other sea-fowl as before described, is given in the 
background of the portrait. 
