ENS FORD OE CUn IE OnE

CXX Xi

almost as widely distributed as the Cormorants. In species, however, they are far less numerous, only six
v U9 he

or seven being known; and should the Australian bird be ultimately proved to be identical with our own
Py a ’
then the number will be still less.

Genus Sura.
3/2. SULA BASSANA ,
: : : : ‘ : Vol. V. Pl. LIY.
GanneT, or Souan Goose.
I must refer my readers to the body of the

work for full information respecting this predaceous bird, for

; 2 out of plac snter I articulars here in w . : ae :
it would be out of place to enter into particulars here in what ean only be regarded as a mere list of the

species inhabiting Britain. I nay mention, however, that its specific name is derived from one of its breeding-

places, to which may be added Lundy Island, Ailsa Craig, St. Kilda, Suliskerry in Orkney, &c.

Family LARIDA.

Mr. Harting, in his ‘ Handbook of British Birds,’ has included the Gulls and Terns in the same family,

with which view I acquiesce, for it would be difficult to draw the line between the termination of the one
and the commencement of the other. Whether we regard the Gulls, Terns, and Skuas separately or
collectively, they may be described as coast-wanderers over the entire globe, but more abundant in the
northern than in the southern hemisphere. Their principal food is fish, crustaceans, and other marine
animals, but some of them readily eat worms, insects, and garbage. In their plumage they are perhaps the
most cleanly of all birds, always maintaining their pure and delicate tints unsullied. There are over one

hundred species inhabiting various parts of the globe.

Subfamily LARINA.

Genus Larus.

The members of this genus comprise all the large Gulls—birds which, as scavengers alone, play an
important part in keeping a wholesome atmosphere. They also prey upon fish, crustaceans, small mammals,

and weakly birds.

: Wolk Wo, IB IL.
373. Larus MARINUS ; : : : : : ; : ; : : O
Great Buack-Backep Gut.

A resident species, breeding round our coasts.