96 



THE BIRDS OF IONA AND MULL. 



to the floor. These little birds seemed to have an irresistible 

 instinct which led them to attempt to surmount every obstacle 

 which fell in their way. When walking on the table every book 

 and desk must be climbed by means of the hooked bill, with the 

 assistance of claws and pinions. In an angle they would try to 

 shuffle up with their elbows as chimney-sweeps used to climb up 

 chimneys ; and when upon the floor I have noticed them striving 

 for a considerable time to ascend the wall of the room. 



On the whole they were very amusing and interesting pets, 

 and I hoped to have reared them, but they were very sensitive to 

 cold. One morning I found them both stiff and apparently life- 

 less, but the fire recovered them. Last Saturday night, however, 

 was a wintry night ; it hailed, and the north wind blew hard ; 

 the high hills were covered with snow, and the spirits of the 

 Stormy Petrels departed amidst the roaring of the equinoctial 

 storm. 



