Natural History of the Island of Rathlin. 65 
rocks were covered with eggs, from which the young had been liberated—young birds 
which had been precipitated from the rocks, and with the excrement and feathers of 
the adult birds. 
Herrine Gui. (Larus argentatus.) This gull occupied the summits of the 
cliffs, tenanted below by the foregoing species; but their nests, like those of the com- 
mon gull, were placed far beyond reach, except by lowering a man by a rope. Besides 
being found on the northern side of the island, these birds occupied the range of white 
cliffs on the northern side of Church bay ; here they remained quite secure, for they 
scarcely ever ventured lower than the middle of the precipices, and could in this 
manner effectually escape the gun of the fowler, either from the summit or base. 
This species I also found in pairs on the eastern coast, although on this part of the 
island it was rare. 
The cry of the herring gull is very similar to that of the common gull, and the two 
were not unfrequently confounded with each other, when soaring towards the summits 
of their respective cliffs. 
Among the Ampuisia, I may briefly mention the Common Sea. (Phoca vitulina.) 
This animal frequents the numerous caves in Rathlin, particularly during the winter 
season, when it is seen in very considerable numbers in Church bay and other parts 
of the island. It varies in size from three to five feet. It is seldom or never seen 
nearer to the shore than high-water mark, and it generally prefers the rocks at the 
mouth of its cave, where it will lie for hours, basking in the sun. It is generally 
taken by the natives with the gun, but may also be secured by throwing a net across 
the mouth of the cave, and driving the seal out from the interior extremity, to which, 
when alarmed, it retires. The skin and oil are made use of; the former in the 
manufacture of shoes, caps, &c. and the latter, for burning. 
FISHES. 
Although classed among the Mammalia, I shall in the present instance, place the 
Ceracea at the head of the fishes. 
Common Wuate. (Balena mysticetus.) This monster of the deep is occasion- 
ally seen in the channel between Rathlin and Ballycastle, though of late years very 
rarely. Part of the skeleton of one may be seen on the shore of Church bay; but 
whether belonging to one of these animals which had been killed by the natives, or 
one accidentally thrown on shore, I could not ascertain. 
Porrotse. (Delphinus phocena) is frequently seen in large shoals or herds in the 
channel and round the coast during summer ; but in the more inclement season, they 
desert these shores. 
Grampus. (Delphinus orca). This voracious fish is also met with in great num- 
