THE GUILLEMOT. 
247 
tened out of the way, and at all times kept as far off 
as possible. No attempt was made to capture it, as 
the owner of the water would not allow it to be mo- 
lested. Their extreme shyness and timidity, though 
on the whole contributing to their preservation, is, in 
some instances, the cause of their being taken. Thus, 
the Red-throated Diver, another species near akin to 
the above, when met with by the natives of the 
northern islands, flying, as they often do, from one 
of the small inland lakes to another, are so terrified 
by loud shouts, that they will frequently fall down ; 
and if they drop on the grass or heather are easily 
caught by hand, as from the awkward position of 
their legs, which, though well suited for water, are 
by no means adapted for land, they can neither walk 
nor take wing again. 
The Guillemots constitute a family of sea-birds 
in many respects resembling the Divers, but with 
wings still shorter : the chief distinction, however, is 
their having no hind-toe or thumb ; they live on fish 
and crabs, and when on land frequent ledges of 
rocks, where they build their nests. The species 
best known to us is that called the Foolish Guillemot 
( Colymbus troile ), a name probably acquired by its 
apparent stupidity, in not only allowing a very near 
approach, but even frequently remaining within shot, 
although its companions may have been killed close 
to it. These are the birds which so often attract 
the attention of passengers in steam-boats, by re- 
maining quietly tossing on the waves, without seem- 
ing to notice the noise and splashing of the paddles ; 
seldom, if ever, taking flight, but usually diving and 
rising again at short distances. The bird, however, 
