158 
time enables them to float more lightly on 
the surface of the water. The habits and 
oeconomy of these birds correspond also 
with their organization ; they float on the 
billows with as much ease and with more 
security then they soar in their native ele- 
ment. Their provisions are ever abun- 
dant, their prey cannot escape their pur- 
suit: some plunge into the waves, others 
only sweep the surface of the water ; all of 
them dwell on the fluctuating face of the 
deep, they live a life of tranquility amidst 
the storms ; they seem even to pl^y with 
the billows, to contend with the winds, 
and to expose themselves to the vehemence 
of the tempest without apprehending or 
suffering shipwreck, indeed, they are never 
happy but in this, their appropriated ele- 
ment and seems averse to alight on the 
land (perhaps from the soles of their feet 
being softened by continual bathing) even 
when the most powerful dictates of Nature 
" Increase and Multiply" impels them 
to the shore they take frequent excursions 
into the sea, and as soon as their young are 
hatched, they take them into their proper 
element. 
