886 
BIRD-LIFE. 
by beak and wings: out of the water the Auk is an 
unhappy creature,—chained to one spot. When sitting 
it rests on the entire length of the feet and the stump of 
a tail. Its mode of progression on land can scarcely be 
termed walking, although it manages to shuffle forward 
after a fashion. 
Its movements in the water are the very reverse of its 
gait ashore, for in swimming and diving the Penguin 
alone can match it. The heaviest swell does not in the 
least disturb its equanimity, while it darts like an arrow 
boldly through the surf. It plunges unconcernedly from 
the rocks into the most raging sea. It is only under the 
water in the depths below that it feels itself at home: here 
the short wings are used as fins, and the powerful legs 
and feet as oars and helm. It can dive to a great depth, 
and, being able to hold its breath for a long time, 
manages to fish or forage successfully amongst the 
deep-lying mussel beds. Fishes seem to form its principal 
food, and are either caught swimming, or taken from off 
the rocks to which they adhere. It is said that the Great 
Auk is able to swallow, whole, fish the size of herrings ; 
and it can probably manage to catch and devour fish of 
still larger dimensions. It is rare that its prey escapes. 
This bird can swim faster under water than on the 
surface, and is able to vie with any fish, as far as activity 
is concerned. 
According to all accounts which we have of this bird, 
it is perfectly well aware of its helpless and forlorn 
condition when on land. The Great Auk is not exactly 
shy, but timid, and, following an innate impulse, avoids 
man as much as possible. If surprised by him on its 
resting place it loses all presence of mind, and does 
not know how to help itself in the least; and, as soon as 
