176 
THE SKUA GULt. 
countries, proceeding rarely, if ever, into the tropics, we 
may almost rest satisfied that, however closely allied, they 
are still of distinct races, originating from different creative 
points of the globe. 
The Cataract Yager, so called by Linnaeus from the 
rapidity and violence with which it darts down on its prey, 
is a very bold and voracious species. Like the eagle it 
sometimes pounces upon the domestic flocks, and tearing up 
a lamb, carries the mangled pieces to feed its craving 
brood. In the rocky island of Foula, however, better sup- 
plied with its ordinary fare from the deep, it even refrains 
from injuring the poultry, and in its enmity to the eagle, 
defends the flocks from its attacks; so different, accord- 
ing to circumstances, are the habits and propensities of 
animals. 
It however often preys on the small gulls and other birds 
with all the rapacity of a hawk, and for which its powerful 
claws seem to indicate both the ability and instinctive 
inclination. It is often, at the same time, satisfied with 
seizing on the fish, which its accidental provider easily dis- 
gorges whenever alarmed. In defence of its young its 
temerity scarcely knows any bound. It will at such times 
often attack a whole company of men, should they disturb 
it, or molest its cherished brood. 
After the breeding season, old and young take to the sea, 
in small companies or pairs, and venture, like the albatross, 
boldly and securely over the wide ocean. Off the stormy 
