MopERN CLIFF-DWELLERS 
Puffins at Matinicus Rock, and Razor-billed Auks 
at Grand Manan. Several pairs of Double-crested 
Cormorants, after many vain efforts to rear a single 
brood, are about giving up the struggle. I had 
hoped to find better conditions existing in Nova 
peotias, but, “wherever ‘I went) the story’ was 
repeated that within the last few years the birds had 
ceased to nest. 
Inguiry revealed the fact that the islands of the 
Gulf of St. Lawrence are now practically the 
southernmost stronghold of these interesting and 
elusive birds. So, in June, a year ago, I started for 
the Magdalen Islands, accompanied by a congenial 
bird-lover. A day’s journey brought us to Pictou, 
Nova Scotia, whence we embarked in the meade 
steamer upon the then calm waters of the often 
turbulent Gulf of St. Lawrence. Early next morn- 
ing, exhilarated by the almost frosty air, we gazed 
upon the red sandstone clifts, spruce-grown hills, 
and fields dotted with white cottages, of the Mag- 
dalen Islands, sparkling in the sunshine. 
In due time we reached our destination, the 
home of a fisherman, near the eastern end of the 
chain of islands. After an interesting week spent 
among the water-birds of the ponds about East 
Point, the day arrived for our embarkation for the 
Bird Rocks. Weeks before we had made arrange- 
ments with the captain of a small schooner to land 
us on the Great Bird Rock on June 21, and call for 
us after four days, as well as with the keeper of the 
Bird Rock light for entertainment. 
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