NESTS AND EGGS. 383 
y 
fly away; the hens remain on their eggs, which they never leave, 
unless the nests themselves are approached, and they generally 
allow themselves to be taken as they are sitting. 
The different species of birds congregated on these rocks are 
not scattered promiscuously ; each kind appears to have its own 
encampment. Highest above the water are to be found the Larus 
marinus, black-coated, or black-backed gull, and the sea-parrot, or 
black monk. In the second rank, on spots covered with plants, 
are the silver gull (Larus argentatus). Above these, on the most 
unsheltered rock, slumber the stupid cormorants (Phalacrocorar 
THE, SE A-=P AR ROT, 
(Mormon fratercula,) 
carbo). A little further, on the rocky beach washed by the sea, the 
elegant three-toed gull (Larus tridactylus), and the white guille- 
mots (Uria grylle), assemble in large flocks. Close by, among 
heaps of sea-weed, the capuchin guillemot (Ura ¢roi/e), and the 
penguins (Adlca torda), may be seen pluming themselves. All these 
birds live together on good terms. Females of different species 
are often seated on their eggs, side by side, and it might be 
imagined from their movements, and the clacking of their beaks, 
that they were whiling away the long, tedious time of incubation 
by agreeable and animated conversation. 
The general rendezvous, or meeting-place of the marine birds, 
