532 
DIVING BIRDS . 
they are situated. The wings are more or less short; and the tail is graduated, 
with its component feathers pointed. 
^ t A k O n account of its extinction within the present century, as well 
as from being the largest representative of the family, and the only 
bird in the Northern Hemisphere incapable of flight, the great auk, or garefowl 
GREAT AUK (J Rat. size). 
(Alca impennis), is of great interest. In common with many other northern 
sea-birds, it was formerly known as the penguin,—a name now transferred to the 
well-known birds of the Southern Hemisphere. In size, the great auk may be 
roughly compared to a goose, its total length being about 32 inches. It was 
especially characterised by the rudimentary condition of the wings, which, owing 
