56 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST 



they passing in large flocks from S.E. to S.W. during the first 

 week of April, that from a certain standpoint it was possible 

 to see with one sweep of the eye a lane of at least a thousand 

 birds in flight. 



At the outset it may be stated that early hatching of 

 Gannets at the Bass Rock is loth May; late, end of July. 

 At these farther north gannetries mentioned, the first or 

 second week of June is probably the earliest date of 

 hatching. The following remarks are made from observa- 

 tions noted during the year. 



20th to 2^1 June. — In the many flocks passing east a fair 

 number of piebald birds are seen, often two or three in a 

 small flock of eight or ten mature birds. Three young 

 piebald birds and one old bird were an unusual party, A 

 black bird or yearling, with only the under parts white, 

 is occasionally seen following in the rear of a flock, but never 

 many of these are seen. The grey birds are in all stages of 

 plumage ; of some the head-yellow was quite bright, while 

 others were still untinted. 



6th July, 3.15 to 4 A.M.— The first hour after sunrise, 

 birds were passing very numerously in both directions. 

 During five minutes 125 were counted going S.W., and the 

 number going east was about the same. The east-going 

 birds were flying low and in scattered parties; the west- 

 going in close flocks, and higher. Wind N.VV., light breeze. 

 6th Jtify.—¥rom sunset at 9 p.m. till 9.45 small flocks 

 continue passing to N.E. Going west during same period, 

 only four birds were seen. The passing certainly ceases, as 

 it is still clear enough to see the local gulls flying about 

 quite distinctly. 



gth July, 2.30 A.M.— Half an hour before sunrise scattered 

 single birds began passing east, and a few S.W. At sunset 

 many were passing in both directions, but the majority 

 eastwards. Ceased as usual in about forty-five minutes. 

 Strong westerly breeze. On this date about sixty were shot 

 when flying over an outlying point, and sold at 4d. each, as 

 they were mostly in poor condition. These were birds 

 passing east. 



152"/^ July. — At 5 A.M. Gannets very numerous round 



