VAST NUMBERS OF SEA-BIRDS. 
121 
nificent birds covered the ground in great numbers. 
It was evidently the commencement of the breeding 
season, as few eggs were obtainable. These splendid 
birds, weighing 20 lbs., and measuring from 11 to 12 
feet from tip to tip of wing, seen to such advantage 
while in their glory at sea as they sweep so grace- 
fully through the air, are altogether out of their ele- 
ment on shore. In order to rise again after settling 
on the land, they are obliged to run some distance 
before they obtain sufficient velocity for the air to get 
under their wings and allow them to feel themselves 
masters of the situation. Three descriptions of pen- 
guins were found on the island, in considerable num- 
bers — the king, a black and white, and a small 
yellow-crested one. Their breeding season was nearly 
over ; but there were still some eggs unhatched. A 
flock of pretty white birds, only found in these seas, 
about the size of a large pigeon, was met with here. 
While the naturalists were on shore, the vessel was 
engaged sounding and dredging in the channel which 
separates Marion from Prince Edward Island, in 
from 75 to 100 fathoms, with good results. It was 
intended, on the following day, to land on Prince 
Edward Island, but from the unfavourable appear- 
ance of the weather the idea was reluctantly given 
up. After having accurately fixed their position, we 
bore away for the Crozets, distant 600 miles. The 
former islands were discovered so long ago as 1772 
by M. Marion de Fresne, who was in command of a 
