Note 19 — Chapter II
Reading edition
Respecting the name given to this bird, it has been observed, that the first Portuguese navigator called them, the boobies, and other sea-birds, alcatros or alcatras. Dampier applied this name to an actual kind; Grew changed it to albitross, and Edwards into albatross. The French name these birds mouton du cap. There are a number of species enumerated; but it will require frequent and cautious observation previous to the determination of a new one, as they vary so much in plumage from sex and age.