THE GANNET.

Ganners are large sea-birds, which are
very abundant along the rocky coasts of
northern Europe, and on the bleak islands
adjacent. Bass Island, not more than a
mile in circumference, has, 1 the months
of May and June, its surface almost co-
vered with nests, eggs, and young birds,
so that it is scarcely possible to walk
without treading on them ; and the flocks
of birds are so immense, when in flight,
as to darken the air like clouds ; and the
noise is like heavy thunder. Looking
down towards the sea, from the top of
the precipice, you see it on all sides co-

(74)