210 REPTILES AND BIRDS. 
or other fry are abundant, they congregate in vast numbers, along 
with Auks, Red-throated Divers, and Gulls of various species. About 
the end of April great quantities may be seen flying in strings along 
the coast towards their favourite h:uits, which are the precipitous 
cliffs of Flamborough Head, the Farm Islands, St. Abb’s Head, and 
other well-known spots on the English and Scottish seaboard. No 
preparation is made by the parent birds for the reception of the 
eggs, which are deposited in hollows of the rocks and ledges of the 
cliffs, each female laying a single one, although a great number are 
often seen so closely packed together as to be possibly covered by 
one bird. 
Where the cliffs are lofty and other birds breed with them, the 
Guillemot occupies a zone above the Kittiwake and below the 
Razor-bill. ‘It is interesting,” writes McGillivray, with the en- 
thusiasm of one who has tried it, “ to visit one of the great breeding- 
places, to row along the foot of the cuffs in a boat, or to stand 
on a near promontory, and see the multitudes perched on the rocks, 
or flying out to sea or returning; or to look out from the summit 
upon the groups in sight; or startle from their stations a whole 
flock by letting down a large stone; or to descend by some crevice, 
clinging with fingers and unshod feet to the little narrow ledges, 
and creep in among the eggs; or to be let down, dangling on a rope, 
half trembling between fear and excitement.” 
