History of the Mutton Bird. 
13 
Art. II. Some Account of the Halits and Natural 
History of the Sooty Petrel (Mutton Bird). 13y 
R. H. Davies, Esq. 
About the commencement of September these birds 
congregate in immense Hocks, and shortly afterwards 
proceed at sunset to the different isles upon which 
they have established their rookeries.* Here they remain 
during the night (few stopping in the day-time) for the 
space of about ten days, forming their burrowsf, and 
preparing for the ensuing laying season. They then 
leave, and continue at sea about live weeks. 
About the 20th of November, at sunset, a few come in 
to lay, and gradually increase in numbers until the night 
of the 24th. Still there are comparatively few, and a 
person would find some difficulty in collecting two dozen 
eggs on the morning of that day. 
It is not in my power to describe the scene that pre¬ 
sents itself at “ Green Island” on the night of the 24tli 
of November. A few minutes before sunset the before- 
mentioned flocks are seen making for the island from 
every quarter, and that with a rapidity hardly conceiv¬ 
able : when they congregate together, so dense is the 
cloud, that night is ushered in a good ten minutes^ before 
the usual time. The birds continue flitting about the 
island for about the space of an hour, when they finally 
settle upon it. 
* I here use the term in common use among Straitsmen, or sealers^ 
though, from the fact of their burrowing like rabbits, perhaps warren 
would be the more correct term. 
I have observed that the birds select those portions of the isles 
for their rookeries where the sand is finest, and of a warm description. 
The penguin, on the contrary, appears to prefer the white sandy 
banks near the water. 
X This may appear hyperbole, but I avouch it a fact. I have been 
at Green Island three or four seasons during the laying time. 
