554 BIRDS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. 
the sailors about Tenby also told me that they some- 
times saw considerable flocks of Puffins during the 
winter, not far from their old haunt near the mouth 
of the Bristol Channel, especially in foggy weather ; 
so that it would seem they do not retire very far 
during the winter. 
Where they have the opportunity these birds 
generally lay their eggs either in holes excavated by 
themselves or else make use of a rabbit-burrow; but 
in the absence of soft ground to burrow in or rabbit- 
holes, they will place their eggs in the natural 
crevices of the rocks; in either case their eggs are 
not easily got at, as they generally place them as 
deep in their holes as they can: it is no joke putting 
one’s hand into these holes, at least without a good 
thick ferret-glove, and if Mrs. Puffin is at home she 
will most likely give rather a severe bite even through 
that. But little nest appears to be made, only a few 
dry reeds or bents being collected at the bottom of 
the hole. At this time they appear very tame, 
scarcely caring to get out of the way of a boat, or 
even of the paddle-wheels of a steamer: in some 
places where they are numerous, as at Tenby, they 
suffer severely for this tameness, especially if they 
are pretty thick, as several may be killed and 
wounded at a shot. At Lundy I have seen them 
yun out of their rabbit-holes close by one, and 
appear very much inclined to have a bite at one’s 
toes; at such times they would seem to be very 
