FREFACE. xix 



history objects in their own haunts and elements 

 is an extremely pleasant pastime, and no one 

 pursuing it should Ije witliout one of these instru- 

 ments, which we had made adjustable to a half- 

 plate camera. A good pair of field-glasses are 

 also very useful for w^atching shy birds on or off 

 their nests, and I have made some really aston- 

 ishing discoveries by the aid of mine at times. 



The circumstances governing the distances at 

 whicli our photographs were taken made it quite 

 impossible, as may be easily understood, for us to 

 adjust the relative sizes of the eggs of different 

 species. However, the average measurement of 

 each bird's egg in inches and the decimal parts 

 thereof will easily prevent any misconception oii 

 this point. 



As a great deal of valuable time is often wasted 

 in finding out how to get to good sea-bird haunts, 

 I propose to give particulars respecting some of 

 the best we have visited. 



The Fame Islands are now under the control 

 of an Association, having for its raison d'etre the 

 protection of the birds breeding on these far-famed 

 rocks. How^ever, passes may be purchased from 

 Mr. Hughes, landlord of the Ship Inn, North 

 Sunderland (nearest railway station — Chathill). 

 Fisherman Richard Allen has a capital craft for 

 taking visitors off, and is a capable and experienced 

 boatman — a distinct acquisition to the naturalist or 

 photographer, w^here tides and currents run as fiercely 

 as mill-races. Mr. Kendal, of the Canty Bay 

 Hotel, some four miles from North Berwick, rents 



