BIRDS. 
333 
THE AUK, OR NORTHERN PENGUIN 
(Alca impennis,) 
Is reckoned, by some observers of the wonderful opera- 
tions of the Creator, a link between the bird and the fish ; 
and we place its description here, in order to exhibit more 
explicitly and conspicuously the uninterrupted chain of 
beings which constitute the whole sum of created nature. 
These birds have very short wings, not exceeding four 
inches and a quarter from the tip of the longest quill-fea- 
ther to the first joint ; with short black legs, placed near the 
vent ; and from the awkwardness with which these birds fly 
or walk, they are seldom seen out of the water, and they 
rarely venture beyond soundings. It is a peculiarity be- 
longing to this class of birds, that the female lays one egg 
only, which she deposits and hatches upon a ledge close to 
the sea-mark: it is about six inches in length, white 
streaked with purple lines. When on shore, this bird and 
all of the same species, stand upright on their rump and 
short legs, which gives them a very awkward appearance. 
Mr. Pennant has asserted that the affection of these 
birds for their young is so great, than when laid hold of by 
the wings, they will give themselves the most cruel bites 
on any part of their body that they can reach, as if actuated 
