128 
GREAT AUK. 
Alca im: ennis, Linn . 
PLATE OCOOLXY.— Adult. 
The only authentic account of the occurrence of this bird on our coast 
that I possess, was obtained from Mr. Henry Havell, brother of my En 
graver, who, when on his passage from New York to England, hooked a 
Great Auk on the banks of Newfoundland, in extremely boisterous weather. 
On being hauled on board, it was left at liberty on the deck. It walked 
very awkwardly, often tumbling over, bit every one within reach of its 
powerful bill, and refused food of all kinds. After continuing several days 
on board, it was restored to its proper element. 
When I was in Labrador, many of the fishermen assured me that the 
“Penguin,” as they name this bird, breeds on a low rocky island to the 
south-east of Newfoundland, where they destroy great numbers of the young 
for bait ; but as this intelligence came to me when the season was too far 
advanced, I had no opportunity of ascertaining its accuracy. In Newfound- 
land, however, I received similar information from several individuals. An 
old gunner residing on Chelsea Beach, near Boston, told me that he well 
remembered the time when the Penguins were plentiful about Nahant and 
some other islands in the bay. 
The egg is very large, measuring five inches in length, and three in its 
greatest breadth. In form it resembles that of the Common Guillemot ; the 
shell is thick and rather rough to the touch ; its colour yellowish-white, with 
long irregular lines and blotches of brownish-black, more numerous at the 
larger end. 
Great Auk, Alca impennis, Nutt. Man., vol. ii. p. 553. 
Great Auk, Alca impennis , Aud. Orn. Biog., vol. iv. p. 316. 
Adult, 29, 27i 
Rare and accidental on the banks of Newfoundland; said to breed on a 
rock near that island. 
Adult in summer. 
Bill as long as the head, feathered as far as the nostrils, beyond which it is 
