WITH THE SEA BIRDS AT TENBY 227 



On the 29th instant we take a boat and row 

 leisurely round the mainland cliffs, our chief object 

 being to try and locate a Peregrine's eyrie, though we 

 hear that the pair we are in quest of have already 

 been robbed once this season ; but this calamity befell 

 them some three weeks ago, and we do not despair 

 of being able to locate a second clutch of eggs — for 

 often enough this Falcon, should it lose its first clutch, 

 will attempt a second venture. Keeping as close 

 under the cliffs as we dare, we both disturb and 

 astonish countless hosts of Guillemots and Razorbills, 

 the former preponderating, as well as Kittivvakes, 

 Herring Gulls, Shags, and Cormorants in smaller 

 numbers. In parts the cliffs are curiously caverned 

 out, and in some of them every available ledge and 

 shelf is tenanted by the Guillemots, and in places 

 we are able to climb from the boat to some of these 

 ledges and inspect their treasures. We notice that 

 some of the Guillemots (probably for want of suit- 

 able accommodation) have laid their single pear- 

 shaped egg in veritable holes, just as the Razorbill 

 does, for the Guillemot generally likes an open site 

 on which to lay. This last-named species' eggs differ 

 to a marked degree, and some are exceedingly beauti- 

 ful. One we find is exceptionally so — of a creamy 

 yellow ground, intricately netted with pinkish brown. 

 On the same ledge is another not unlike, but with far 

 fewer markings. As we draw near the favourite 

 haunt of the Peregrine, a bold, jutting headland of 

 greystone rock, all senses are on the alert, but no 

 sight of this dashing Falcon is vouchsafed us at 

 present ; but as we put about after having passed 



