29 



ing a passing mention of tlieni— but at the time I speak of they 

 existed in dense flocks of thousands, and we were firmly 

 convinced by local tradition that the Rock was the only place 

 in Britain where they lived and bred. Of course I know now 

 that they exist on Lundy Island, Ailsa Craig, and some few 

 other places. 



We drove from Dirleton to Canty Bay to gather up the 

 lovely wax-like little pink cowrie shells, which I believe are 

 found just there alone of all the stretches of Scottish coast. 

 After filling our baskets, we went off in a boat to the Rock. 

 As we approached, the air was literally darkened by the 

 immense flocks of " geese " disturbed by our nearing the 

 island, and their discordant yells and screams were deafening. 

 Before we came away we were induced to purchase for six 

 shillings a goose, dead, trussed, and ready for cooking, the 

 man assuring us they were " fine eating if hung a day or two 

 till they were a bit tender." So in a day or two it was duly 

 roasted, but during that process alone all in the house had 

 pretty well enough of the bird without tasting it. Never shall 

 I forget the smell of this savour}' bird ; it was fish, turpentine, 

 train oil, and indeed everything else delightful that can be 

 imagined. Windows, doors, and every possible loop-hole had 

 to be opened to let the perfume escape. What was done with 

 the dainty dish I forget. We were told that a large Club 

 actually existed for no other purpose than to dine annually off 

 this epicurean bird at the little inn, and that the members 

 came from all parts to enjoy it ! 



A word on another matter, suggested by the remembrances 

 of ni}' early home before my travelling days began : — I wonder 

 if the fisher-boys still bring round in the Spring or early 

 vSummer the beautiful " Kitty wee-ick's " eggs (pale blue with 

 large black spots), and those of the Guillemots and Gulls. 

 They were boiled hard and offered to the visitors at i|d. each, 

 and very good they both were to the palate. 



I also remember the Peregrines when there was a pair on 

 the "Bass;" there were also some near Braemar in Aberdeen- 

 shire, and other parts of Scotland in those days. One was 



