The smaller sort skimmed the sea like pebbles sent skipping from the shore.

Over these, flew myriads of birds of broader wing.

While high above all, soared in air the daring "Diver," or sea-kite, the power of whose vision is truly wonderful.
It perceives the little flying-fish in the water, at a height which can not be less than four hundred feet.

Spirally wheeling and screaming as it goes, the sea-kite, bill foremost, darts downward, swoops into the water, and for a moment altogether disappearing, emerges at last; its prey firmly trussed in its claws.

But bearing it aloft, the bold bandit is quickly assailed by other birds of prey, that strive to wrest from him his booty.