OF BIRDS. 
229 
downward, where it is joined to the head: and a certain 
callous substance encompassing its base, as in parrots.— 
It is of two colours; ash-coloured near the base; and 
red towards the point. It has three furrows or grooves 
impressed in it; one in the livid part, two in the red. 
The eyes are fenced with a protuberant skin, of a livid 
colour; and they are gray or ash-coloured. 
This bird, like the rest of the auk kind, has its legs 
thrown so far back, that it can hardly move without 
tumbling. This makes it rise with difficulty, and subject 
to many falls before it gets upon the wing; but as it is a 
small bird, not much bigger than a pigeon, when it once 
rises, it can continue its flight with great celerity. 
The puffin builds no nest: but lays it eggs either in 
the crevices of rocks, or in holes under ground near the 
shore. It most generally chooses the latter situation. 
Relying on its courage, and the strength of its hill, with 
which it bites most keenly, it either makes or finds a 
hole in the ground, where to lay or bring forth its young. 
The males perform the office of sitting, and relieving 
their mates when they go to feed. The young are hatched 
in the beginning of July. When the young one is ex- 
cluded, the parent’s industry and courage are incredible. 
Few birds, or beasts will venture to attack them in their 
retreats. When the great sea-raven, comes to take away 
their young, the puffins boldly oppose him. Their meet^ 
ing affords a most singular combat. As soon as the raven 
approaches, the puffin catches him under the throat with 
its beak, and sticks its claws into his breast, which makes 
the raven with a loud screaming, attempt to get away; 
but the little bird still holds fast to the invader, nor lets 
him go till they both come to the sea, where they drop 
down together, and the raven is drowned ; yet the raven 
is but too often successful, by invading the puffin at the 
bottom of its hole, and so devouring the puffin and its 
family. > 
Swan. (PI. 38.) So much difference is there between 
this bird when on land and in the water, that it is hardly 
to be supposed the same, for in the latter, no bird cam 
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