VOYAGE TO ICELAND 29 



well and was never fairly under the weather. We had 

 two Scotchmen on board ; they were from Glasgow and 

 were, and are, prospecting to see if they can open any 

 advantageous trade. Both of them good sort of fellows. 

 WoUey would not have it, but I am sure I saw an Alca 

 alle on this day ; the next day we both saw two, all 

 appeared to be in good summer dress ; the first of the 

 species, of course, he or I had ever seen. We now had 

 rather roughish weather with rain. Lots of Fulmars 

 about. In the afternoon we fancied we saw land, which 

 towards evening it clearly proved to be. Just about sun- 

 down, somewhere towards 9 o'clock, a Wheatear came 

 on board, and evidently wished to pass the night with us, 

 but I doubt if the poor beast succeeded in doing so. 

 Next morning we passed the Westmann Islands about 

 2 o'clock, but it was thick when I got on deck and land 

 was not visible ; soon after we sighted it again and never 

 again lost it. About noon we passed the celebrated Meal 

 Sack, but we must have been nearly two miles from it. 

 It is certainly well named, for in one direction it has 

 very much the sort of look of a sack half filled, with the 

 sides turned down, and I do not doubt but that in the 

 season it is white enough on the top. On the landward 

 side runs out a low shelf or rock, whereon the Greak Auk 

 is supposed to have bred. Outside at the distance of about 

 four times its diameter hes a small low skerry, which had 

 a very inviting appearance, but the water is said at 

 times to go right over it. 



There were a great quantity of Gannets and Fulmars 

 about, also Kittiwakes and the common Alcidce. We 

 looked of course for the Geier Fugle, but in vain. It 

 came on to blow pretty smartly, and I think our Captains 

 (for we had both an English and a Danish one on board, 

 who will I take it have a real good cat and dog life of it 

 during the summer) were glad when we let go our anchor 

 off this place. 



We were much amused at an enthusiastic young girl 

 rushing up from below as we passed a soHtary grass- 

 covered house, and in spite of the traces of so much 



