PROCELLARIA GLACIALOIDES. 
dible is strongly arched and pointed, and its superior edge near its commence- 
ment projects slightly above the culmen ; the latter is flat and separated 
from the lateral portion of the mandible on each side by a distinct 
longitudinal groove ; the cutting edge of the lower mandible arched at the 
point, but the point itself is not prolonged downwards below the lower 
edge of the bill, in which respect it differs from several of the smaller 
species, though not materially from some of them. Tarsi robust, and coated 
with small flat scales, which are partly angular and partly rounded ; the 
latter are the smallest, and chiefly disposed posteriorly. Anterior toes 
strong, each terminated by a long, slender, and slightly curved claw ; a 
short, strong, and somewhat cylindrical claw in the place of the hinder toe ; 
the anterior margin of web between outer and middle toe nearly truncate, 
between the middle and inner oblique. Wing long, and when folded extends 
about half an inch beyond the point of the tail ; the outer wing feather the 
longest, and exceeds in length the second by nearly half an inch. Tail 
rounded, the outermost feather of each side fully an inch shorter than the 
middle ones. 
DIMENSIONS. 
Inches. Lines. 
Length from the tip of the bill to 
the point of the tail J8 9 
of the bill from the gape 2 0 
of the wings when folded 12 4 
of the tail 5 3 
Inches. Lines 
Length of the tarsus 1 n 
of the outer toe 2 1 
of the middle toe 1 lit 
of the inner toe 1 7^ 
of the hinder toe 0 
The colours of the plumage in the female are similar to those of the male. 
In many respects this species has a strong resemblance to Procellaria glacialis of authors, 
but the greater length of its bill supplies an efficient diagnostic character by which it is to be 
distinguished. Had the bill merely been longer, I should have hesitated before I considered it 
distinct, as the degree of development of an organ is not to be made available as a specific 
character. The length of the bill, however, is not only greater, but the thickness is also 
different, being inferior to that of P. glacialis, and neither are ever otherwise in any individual 
of the Cape species. 
While the smaller Petrils almost constantly resort to the open sea, this species often hunts 
for its food in the neighbourhood of the South African coasts, and even frequently enters the 
bays, apparently for the same purpose. It flies higher above the surface of the water than the 
smaller species, rests more frequently, and seems well disposed to feed upon dead animal matter 
when such can he obtained. 
