BIRDS. 
373 
THE GANNET. 
205. The Gannet is about the size of a tame 
goose, but its wings are much longer. They abound 
in the islands of the north coast of Scotland. 
206. The Gannet feeds upon fish, and always at- 
tends them in their migrations, especially the shoals 
of herring. When the fishermen observe this bird, 
they prepare their nets, and take the herrings by 
millions at a draught. 
207. During their fishing, the Gannets rise and 
sail over the shoals of herrings and pilchards. When 
they observe the shoal crowded thick together, they 
close their wings, and precipitate themselves into the 
water, and never fail to rise with a fish in their 
mouth. 
208. The inhabitants of the island of St. Kilda 
sometimes take them by tying a herring to a plank, 
and setting it afloat. The bird darts down, and 
breaks its neck by its violence. 
Where is the Gannet found ? What does it feed upon ? How 
are they sometimes taken ? 
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