8 A NATURALIST IN THE MAGDALEN ISLANDS. 
Many birds were in sight, mostly Gannets, Terns, and 
Gulls, while several little Petrels were dancing over the water 
in the wake of the vessel. As we approached the shore 
Black Guillemots became numerous, rising from the water as 
we neared them and skimming away, the white patch of their 
wings showing clearly in contrast with their black bodies. 
As we sailed slowly past, within a few hundred yards of Entry © 
Island, I was- struck with the barren aspect of the shore: 
Cliffs from forty to fifty feet in height, composed of red 
sandstone, rose almost perpendicularly from the water's 
edge, contrasting strangely with the verdure growing upon 
their summits. To our left, situated in a little valley, we 
could plainly see Amherst, the largest village on the islands, 
its white houses looking very picturesque as they stood out 
in relief against the background of green hills. 
Amherst is quite a thriving little place; the inhabitants 
devote themselves to fishing during the summer months, and 
do a very fair business. Of late years some Americans have 
built a factory here, which they devote to canning lobsters. 
It is in a flourishing condition, I believe, as lobsters are very 
plenty and large. 
