Migrator u Birds of Madeira and the Canaries. 163 



as possible ; I never saw one of this species flying about in 

 the daytime, though some of the smaller ones are common 

 enough. With some difficulty I afterwards scrambled up to 

 the top of the cliff, which is some height above the sea and, 

 being volcanic, crumbled away under one^s foot and made the 

 hold insecure. On reaching the top I found it to be nearly 

 flat and covered with cinders ; a few weeds were the only plants. 

 IJere there were numbers of Titlarks {Anthus bertheloti) , and I 

 shot several specimens. I had only seen two in Madeira. 

 There were also flocks of Canaries and Linnets. Having spent 

 about four hours on the island, we got into the boat again, in- 

 tending to go on to Deserta Grande, which, as its name implies, 

 is the largest of the islands, and is said to be a more favourite 

 breeding-place for Petrels. As soon, however, as we got outside 

 of our sheltered bay we found the sea had risen considerably ; 

 and a stiff breeze was blowing, causing such a heavy surf that 

 the sailors said we could not safely go near the island. How- 

 ever, I made them try, and we went as near shore as we dared ; 

 but we found it quite impossible to land; so, having got all I 

 could from Chao, we started back again for Madeira, On 

 clearing the point of the island the wind was dead against 

 us, and we were obliged to tack, in doing which, on two oc- 

 casions, we shipped so much water that nearly all my birds 

 and eggs were washed overboard and the boat almost swamped. 

 It took us about fourteen hours to return to Madeira; and we 

 were glad enough to land at St. Cruz at 2 o^clock next morn- 

 ing, thoroughly drenched, and with our boat half full of water. 

 I would advise future travellers who may undertake the same 

 expedition not to go in a smaller vessel than a good schooner. 

 There would not be much difficulty in hiring one at Madeira, 

 as there are several which sail to Porto Santo and other 

 islands. The fishing-boats are not of a build to stand rough 

 weather; and sometimes, as on this occasion, the wind springs 

 up very suddenly. 



I was told that a few years ago that an Englishman had landed 

 on Deserta Grande to shoot sea-birds, and that while he was 

 ashore it came on to blow so hard that the boat was obliged to 

 return for safetv to Madeira without him, and it was three 



