Loch nan Ceall 



red through die morning mist on the quiet waters of Loch 

 Tuadh — that northern sister of Loch nan Ceall, and joined 

 to it by narrow Ulva Sound — while away to the nor'ard 

 stood the black cliffs of Treshnish and of Calliach Point. 



Gradually the summer gives place to autumn on the 

 loch. 



The wind blows chill from the north, driving the shoals 

 of mackerel to the deeper waters, and sending the herring 

 to sea, so that no longer are the solans sweeping over the 

 loch, and the pulTins bethink themselves of their journey 

 south, while the last of the cormorants have left their 

 nests. New bird visitors now arrive — the wary greenshank, 

 with wild melancholy cry, and the great northern diver, of 

 imposing mien, while one morning, after north wind, large 

 flocks of widgeon may be seen riding buoyantly on the 

 rough waters. 



At night, great companies of geese fly overhead, as they 

 make for their winter quarters on Islay and along the Irish 

 coast, and in late autumn wild swans may sometimes be 

 seen. 



So that the loch is never deserted of living things, and 

 gives food in plenty and shelter to many birds until with 

 the call of the spring these winter visitors again set their 

 course for the north, and their places are taken by those 

 birds which at the approach of winter move southward to 

 warmer, though not more hospitable, lands. 



r 21 



