MopeEerRN CLiirr-DWELLERS 
separate crags, both of them white on top with 
brooding Gannets. ‘Then we looked directly down 
over the edge of the cliff, and stood entranced at 
the sight. It was indeed one of life and motion, 
for a throng of birds filled the air, ceaselessly pass- 
ing and repassing. Some were leaving their nests, 
to scale down and out over the water. Others 
swung up from the ocean level, to alight each in 
its proper niche. Others passed by us within a few 
feet, but none flew over the land. Years ago the 
“THERE WAS THE SCHOONER ALREADY SAILING AWAY, AND 
NORTH BIRD ROCK OUT BEYOND ”’ 
birds occupied the whole level area of green-sward 
on top, which I should think is about three hun- 
dred yards long, and half as wide. Now, however, 
since the building of the lighthouse, they recognize 
the fact that man has the ascendency. 
There was no cessation in the passing throng, 
any more than there is in business hours on the 
principal street of a large. city. It was a constant 
habit for birds to act as though they were about to 
alight, hovering slightly as they passed some con- 
venient crag, even extending their feet, but decide 
bi 
