The Queer, the Quaint and the Quizzical: A Cabinet for the Curious

by Frank H. Stauffer

The Albatross.

The albatross is remarkable for its migrations; indeed, it may almost be said to pass from pole to pole, and is seen at a greater distance from land than any other bird. Hence sailors regard this companion of their voyage with superstitious fondness. Coleridge speaks of the albatross in his "Ancient Mariner"—

And all averr'd I had killed the bird
That made the breezes to blow;
"A wretch," said they, "the bird to slay,
That made the breezes to blow."