i^ESIS AXD EGGS 01' AVSTRAUAN HINDS. 



983 



of guano, of which the place smelt strongly, and were composed of twigs, 

 algse and polyzoa. Each nest contained one egg only, and not two, as 

 stated by some authors. Hovering over the I'ookeiy, and coming and 

 going from seaward, were the mates of the sitting birds. It was the 

 prettiest of sights to see these birds alight alongside their mates, 

 kissing and caressing them in a most loving and affectionate 

 way. Occasionally one of the new comei's would eject from 

 its throat a fish which it had brought in from the sea. It is 

 really wonderful the size of fish they carry — fifteen inches was 

 the measurement of a pike which we found lying near one of ihe 

 nests, and we saw the remains of others wliich must have mea^ui'ed 

 still more. Frequently we would see a handsome Gannet rise on its 

 feet off its egg, and flap its wings to stretch its feathered limbs ; should 

 the bird be so mifortimate as to lose its balance, it soon regained its 

 position, hastened, however, by its neighboius, who viciously pecked 

 at it, as much as to say, ' Keep voiu- own groimd.' The nests, as far 

 as the inequality of the gi'ovmd woidd allow, were arranged in symmet- 

 rical rows, and were about 30 inches apai-t. The diameter of the 

 rookery was about 50 yards, and it was circular in shape. The birds 

 had been at work some time, as we found several stages of giowth of 

 yoimg, from the half-gi-own gosling down to that just hatched ; but 

 the gi'eater nmnbcr of nests was occupied by eggs, many quite fresh. 

 The yoimg, when covered with down, look very handsome. The old 

 birds seemed to defend the eggs more fiercely than they did the young, 

 and I had to approach them with considerable respect, requiring the 

 aid of a bucket and fishing basket for them to peck at while securing 

 their eggs. Promenading around the rookeiy, and sometimes through 

 the rows, were to be seen those impudent scavengers, the Silver and 

 Pacific Gulls, waiting their chance (a very poor one) of taking the eggs 

 and pieces of fish lying about. It seems almost ludicrous that this 

 should occiu\, the Gannet lying so close on its egg, and being so large a 

 bird, one blow from its powerful beak would kill so small a bird as the 

 Silver Gull. After our artists had taken photographs from different 

 points of view (see ilkistrations : " A Gannet Rookeiy," and " Gannets 

 Nesting "), we veiy reluctantly retired from this wonderful rookery. 

 As the wind was still rising we hurried on board, and soon left the 

 dangerous anchorage, very nearly getting on to the rocks in making our 

 first tack, just being saved by the excellent seamanship of our skipper. 

 After beating about in a nasty, choppy sea for three or four hours, we 

 succeeded in getting shelter in a snug little cove under Babel Island." 



To these remarks 1 may add that the young or newly-hatched birds 

 were naked, or nearly so, and of a leaden or dark-slate colour'. The 

 older ones were clothed in down of snowj' whiteness, oddly contrasting 

 with the black feet and bill. When we approached, the old birds would 

 simply give a goose-like cackle, making a sound not inappropriately 

 resembling the words "get away, get away!" at the same time fencing 

 us with their wings and formidable bills. The date of om' visit (20th 

 November) appeared to be about the middle of the laying season. 

 Probably October or the month previous is the month they fii'st com- 

 mence to lay, as I had received eggs taken from the same rookeiy during 



