GANNETS. 
283 
time in the Mediterranean. In Southern Africa, the place of this species is taken 
by the Cape gannet (S. capensis), distinguished by its nearly black tail; and the 
greater number of the representatives of the genus are inhabitants of the Southern 
Hemisphere. Although still breeding on the English coast at Lundy Island, it is on 
the Scotch and Irish shores that the gannet is found in great numbers; the Bass 
Rock being, however, the only station on the eastern coast where these birds resort 
COMMON GANNET (f liat. size). 
for breeding. Gannets are also abundant in the Orkneys and Hebrides, and although 
less numerous on the Norwegian coasts, reappear in vast swarms on the shores of 
North America. The gannets on the Bass Rock have been so frequently described, 
that it will be unnecessary to give any account of the wondrous scene here. It 
may be mentioned, however, that the birds usually assemble in March, although 
laying does not generally commence till May; and some idea of the vast numbers 
of these birds may be obtained from the fact that formerly from fifteen hundred to 
two thousand young have been taken in a season. The nest, which is generally some 
