BIRDS OF THE WAVE AND WOODLAND 169 



When breeding commences, the islands or headlands that 

 they frequent present scenes of most delightful activity. 



" Above, around, in cloudy circles wheeled, 

 Or sailing level on the polar gale 

 That cool with evening rose, a thousand wings. 

 The summer nations of these pregnant cliffs 

 Play'd sportive round.' 



Puffins are busy in all directions, digging out holes to lay 

 their eggs in, or putting last year's burrows into thorough 

 repair. Both parents join in the work of excavation, taking 

 turns, and while the one is employed the other either sits 

 with a most absurd expression of pompous self-satisfaction, 

 like a fat little owl-faced page, in close attendance, or flits 

 about in idle amusement in company with vast numbers of 

 the temporarily unemployed. Though so short-winged and 

 plump-bodied, they fly with singular speed, and wheel and 

 circle with great grace ; but it is when they dive that they 

 are at their best. Regardless of height, they plunge head- 

 foremost from their cliffs into the sea, and, using their wings 

 just as if they were still in the air, literally fly under the 

 water. But they never stay away long, for all their thoughts 

 are in those little burrows on the cliff, and the constant flying 

 to and fro of the anxious pairs, their whirlings in the air 

 before settling and after rising, keep the air alive with 

 noisy wings, and fill the scene with bustle and happy anima- 

 tion. 



Y 



