AILSA CRAIG 103 



of two fresh undigested herrings.* The usual food of 

 Ailsa Gannets, according to the testimony of those on 

 the spot, consists of herringsj mackerel, sand-eels, and 

 gurnards, all of which Mr. Thomson has at different times 

 seen in their nests, and to this list the tenant of the Craig, 

 Mr. Girvan, adds the garfish. In a later chapter a list will 

 be given of all the fish on which Gannets have been known 

 to feed, but herrings and mackerel are their customary food. 

 These, with cod, haddocks, whitings, pollack and coal-fish 

 (saithe), are abundant at no great distance. Gurnards are a 

 source of danger to them, and in the previous year Mr. 

 Girvan saw a Gannet which had been choked by one. 



It is worthy of note that the vicinity of Ailsa has long 

 had a reputation for the quality and abundance of its fish. 

 Donald Monro speaks of the " very good killing [of] ling 

 and uther whyte fishes," and Pennant of " the capture of 

 cod, which abound from January to April on the great 

 bank " near. It is singular that so many fish should be 

 found near the Craig, considering the presence of the birds, 

 and the fact may be cited as an argument in favour of their 

 preservation. t In 1877, eight years after the passing of the 



* Herring-Gulls are not above flying off witli fisli which a Gannet 

 disgorges, on the contrary it is a booty they are on the look out for. 



f There are swarms of fish round St. Kilda, which is another favourite 

 fishing ground for trawlers (see " St. Kilda," by N. Heathcote, p. 207). 

 where Gannets brood by thousands. 



