THE BASS ROCK 229 



observer securely secreted behind some convenient boulder, 

 will possibly see scores of Gannets circling about, as shown 

 in the sketch map, and going past again and again, many of 

 them within a few yards of where he is standing. On one 



<A East Landing 



occasion (August 29th) I am reminded by my journal that I 

 was close enough to the passing birds to see every motion 

 of the tail and feet, which act the part of rudders to 

 perfection, and to observe each slight turn of those great 

 wings which at a little distance appear motionless, but 

 yet on a close view are seen not to be so, for they undulate 



