98 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST 



have before published. But in a comprehensive treatment 

 of the subject this is perhaps excusable. 



Shetland. 



Records regarding the Fulmar in Shetland are negative 

 as to the nesting of the species previous to 1878. But it is 

 true that writers down to Saxby's time (he died in 1871) 

 spoke of it as occurring at a distance from land of some ten 

 to twenty or twenty-five miles, during about one month in 

 summer — say from the end of May till the end of June or 

 beginning of July. Birds were seen usually west and north 

 of Shetland, and they generally approached the fishing-boats 

 from the north or north-east, and retired towards the same 

 direction. Further, adults were spoken of as scarce up to 

 about the year 1871. 1 



They, however, established their first colony in Foula at 

 a date comparatively early (as comparing with the dates at 

 other Scottish localities), viz., in or prior to 1878 — auct. J. T. 

 Garriock, who first recorded their establishment, by about 

 a dozen pairs, in June of that year (Zoo/., 1879, P- 380). 



The following year about twenty pairs took up stations. 

 A stranded whale which the first comers followed up, is said 

 to have been the immediate attraction to them ; but the same 

 story has been told of birds at other places. In any case, 

 such advents can hardly be considered as primary or sole 

 causes of their taking up quarters, but that they are very 

 likely auxiliary causes there cannot be much doubt, and we 

 consider that they may in many instances be accepted as 

 such. 



Foula, it may here be mentioned, is distant from Suderoe, 

 Faroes, about one hundred and fifty-four miles, and from 

 St Kilda, two hundred and forty-four. 



In 1887 A. H. Evans and Powys found no more than 

 eight pairs on the lower cliffs of East Haevdi (in Foula), and 

 as many more on the 800-feet precipices to the westward, 

 " and this after they examined them all with the greatest 

 care, both from above and below." All of these sites " were 



1 By adults, Saxby understood birds " with the pure white head and 

 under parts." 



