2 VOYAGES OF A NATURALIST 



greater distance than eight miles. Their appear- 

 ance from a short distance is most pecuUar, the 

 two highest peaks being white with the droppings 

 of the numerous sea-birds which nest on them, 

 while the remainder are of a deep greenish-black, 

 very dark in contrast to the white peaks. 

 The outlying rocks, as can be seen during the fall 

 of the swell, are much worn below the water-line. 



My first visit to these interesting rocks was 

 made in 1902, during my first voyage with Lord 

 Crawford in the " Valhalla." They were sighted 

 from aloft at 1.30 p.m. on the 17th December, 

 and shortly afterwards became visible from the 

 deck. 



Numbers of gannets appeared and circled round 

 the yacht, while, as we gradually drew near, 

 great numbers of birds were to be seen flying in all 

 directions round the highest peaks. 



At 3.30 we were close in, and shortly afterwards 

 a boat was lowered and we set out for the shore. 

 The weather was perfectly fine, but, owing to a 

 slight swell, the surf was breaking on the rocks 

 in a most forbidding manner. As we rowed closer, 

 however, we found that, by waiting and choosing 

 the right moment, the boat could be backed in 

 to a projecting portion of the rock, and then, as 

 we rose on the swell, it was not difficult to jump 

 ashore. 



Accordingly we backed in carefully, and took 

 our turn to wait for the lift of the swell and then 



