PETRELS. 247 
rough and chalky in texture, and with a strong 
pungent smell, which is retained by the shell for 
_ years after the egg has been taken. This egg is 
laid in May. 
There are few more stirring sights in the bird 
world, than a colony of Fulmars. Time can never 
efface the vivid scene that was presented to me, as 
for the first time I peered over the mighty cliff 
Connacher, and viewed the countless hosts of 
Fulmars at their nesting-places. Just before the 
summit was reached, a few Fulmars could be seen 
flying above the cliff, then dropping behind the 
ridge out of sight. When I got to the top and 
looked over, the scene became grand, imposing, 
indescribable. The suddenness of it all was well- 
nigh overpowering. One moment, not a bird to be 
seen; the next, countless thousands of drifting birds 
flying about in all directions along the face of the 
cliffs, passing to and fro, backwards and forwards, 
like snow-flakes in a gentle breeze, far as the eye 
could follow them! All the Fulmars drifted to and 
fro in silence; not a single bird uttered a cry. No 
bird flies more gracefully than this Petrel ; it seems 
to float in the air without effort, often passing to 
and fro for minutes together without perceptibly 
moving its wings. They are remarkably tame 
and confiding birds, flying past one at arm’s- 
length, the bright-black eye contrasting strongly 
with the snowy plumage. When disturbed by 
the firing of a gun, the Fulmars and other sea- 
