192 THE BIRDS OF ION A AND MULL. 



him that I had left Iona last night. He informed me I was on 

 the island of Garveloch, five or six miles off the coast of Lorn, 

 and he was the tenant and sole inhabitant, except his wife and 

 family. I received a huge basin of crowdie, and in return gave 

 a bit of tobacco, which the man seized with such avidity as 

 showed that it was a rare commodity to this " Family Robinson." 

 About seven o'clock embarked, steering north. When I had left 

 the island, I observed a furious rapid about half a mile S.E. of 

 the island, which was what I had heard roaring so loud during 

 the night. Wind died away, and a dead calm came on, the tide 

 against me. Landed at Easdail island about twelve ; bought a 

 pennyworth of bacca, and smoked it. Landed at Ardnacaple, 

 island of Seil, and smoked a pipe and let a heavy shower pass. 

 At last reached Loch Feochain at three or four o'clock, having 

 pulled against a foul tide since sunrise. Found Mr and Mrs 

 M'Vean with Colin M'Vean. They were much astounded at 

 seeing me. 



6th. — At three a.m., a bright moonlight morning. Down to 

 the beach and launch ' Scarbh ; ' hard frost, boat crusted with 

 ice ; had to take off shoes and stockings and wade in above the 

 knees to get the boat afloat. Pulled away with boy Angus to 

 Oban ; got there before seven ; hoisted the ' Scarbh ' on board the 

 ' Dolphin.' Mr and Mrs M'Vean arrived by gig ; embarked in 

 the ' Dolphin,' and at noon got to Iona. 



loth. — Went in big boat to Soay island with Colin, M'Millan, 

 and Mel and Angus, the servants ; had a potato picnic, and dug 

 up stormy petrels ; had a stiff pull home. 



1850. — January 19th. — Drew a golden plover, a heron, and 



