Mr. Selby on the Birds of the Farn Islands, 465 



and other insects, nor can it frqm the comparative shortness of its 

 tarsi^ walk with the same degree of ease upon land ; in all these par- 

 ticulars also it shews its affinity to the neighbouring Procellarice, 

 The clefts and^ narrow ledges of the Pinnacles and perpendicular 

 rocks opposite, are the places selected by the Kittiwakes for nidi- 

 fication ; upon these, although in many instances not exceeding a 

 hand's breadth in width, they build their nest and rear their 

 young in security ; the latter seem instinctively to feel their peri- 

 lous situation, where the least movement would precipitate them 

 into the waves beneath, and it is observed that they seldom 

 change their situation or attitude in the nest, till they become 

 nearly fledged, and able to provide for their own safety. Young 

 herrings and other small fish constitute their food. They arrive in 

 May, and leave this coast as soon as the young have quitted 

 the nests. 



I may conclude by observing that the Great Seal (Phoca barbata, 

 Linn.) inhabits these islands and the adjacent sea. It attains a 

 very great size, several having been killed during this last summer, 

 which weighed upwards of 45 stone, of 14 lbs. to the stone, and 

 measured from 10 to 12 feet in length. This species calves in the 

 month of November upon several of the outer rocks, where the 

 young are suckled every tide by the parent for the space of 14 or 

 15 days, when the long woolly fur which at first clothed them is 

 cast, and a new covering of close short hair supersedes it ; they 

 are then conducted by the dam to the water, from whence they 

 only emerge at intervals. The Common Seal (Phoca vitulind) 

 although common upon the coast, is never seen near the Farn 

 Islands. This species produces its young in July and August. 



I have the honour to be. 



Gentlemen, 



&c, &c. 



P. J. Selby. 



Vol. II. 2 g 



