27 
* CORMORANT. Phalacrocorax Carbo.. Jenyns, p. 262. 
Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 2, p. 343. Common. 
* SHAG. P. Cristatus. Jenyns, p. 262. Bewick’s Br. B., 
vol. 2, p. 351. Common. 
* GANNET. Sula Bassema, Jenyns, p. 263. Bewick’s 
Br. B., vo). 2, p. 353. This Bird is not known to breed in 
Cornwall, but according to Dr. E. Moore, it frequents 
Lundy Island for that purpose, in considerable numbers. 
Specimens in various Stages of Plumage are seen with us 
in all the months of the year, though the adult Birds arc 
most abundant in Autumn and Winter ; at which time 
their falling on Pilchards is an indication of the presence 
of these Fish, and a guide to the Fishermen, in the direc- 
tion they arc pursuing. The Gannet takes its prey in a 
different manner from any other of our Aquatic Birds ; 
for traversing the air in all directions with an heavy and 
irregular flight, as soon as it discovers the Fish it rises to 
such an height as experience shows best calculated to carry 
it by a downward motion, to the required depth ; and then 
partially closing its wings, it falls perpendicularly on the 
prey, and rarely without success, the lime between the 
plunge and emersion being about flftcen seconds. When 
Pilchards arc collected into a narrow space, the number 
and eagerness of the Gannets are such, that it is surprising 
they do not fall on and kill each other. Their clamour 
indeed, at such times proves them to be well on their 
guard ; but it is also probable that every one in falling 
lias its eye fixed on the fish it intends to seize ; and the 
well poized wings direct it unerringly to its prey. The 
form and setting on of the Gannel’s wings well fit it for 
assuming the perpendicular attitude preparatory to its fall, 
which is effected with case, rapidity and precision. They 
are attached to the body about the centre of gravity, so 
that the anterior parts drop as on a pivot; and thj* elbow 
being about the middle of the distance between the shoulihwm 
and wrist a slight inclination in an^Urectioa is sufficient N 
to regulate the motion. 
TERNS. 
SANDWICH TERN. Sterna Cantiaca. Jenyns, p. 205. 
Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 2, p. 188. Rare. One was shot at 
Looe in March. 
BOSEATE TERN. S. BovgaUii. Jenyns, p. 265. Bewick’s 
Br. B.j vo i ■ 2 1 Sup. p. 23. A lew Cornish Specimens are 
recorded. 
* COMMON TERN. S. Ilirundo. Jenyns, p. 266. Bewick’s 
Br. B., voi. 2, p. 184. Miret; a name which from this 
Species is extended indiscriminately to the whole genus. 
