IN THE SHETLANDS 209 
and almost missed it. Now, at only a quarter of an 
hour’s interval, he is fed again, and over this there is 
quite an interesting little scene. The chick, when a 
very substantial fish is brought in for him, is asleep 
under his mother’s wing, and both parents seem averse 
to disturbing him. The plain one with the fish 
seems quite embarrassed. He approaches, stands 
still, looks at his partner as if for advice, shuffles 
about, turns this way and that, and several times, 
bending his head, gives a choked and muffled jode/, 
for his mouth is almost too full to speak. Still the 
chick sleeps on and still the parents seem to doubt 
the advisability of waking him. At length, however, 
they admit it to be necessary. The father shuffles up 
into his usual position, the mother rises by slow and 
reluctant stages, as though apologetically, and finally 
stirs the chick several times with her bill till at last he 
rouses. Then, in a moment, he brisks up, and, 
seizing the large fish, swallows it in one good whole- 
hearted gulp. Perhaps there may have been a second, 
but it was a weak one if there was, and hardly neces- 
sary. It was more like the grace after the meal, that 
can very well be dispensed with. Instantly then the 
father, having done his business, flies off, the mother 
sinks down, and the chick, retiring with the taste of 
the fish still in his mouth, there is peace on the ledge 
again. The eye of the guillemot is very bright, and 
seems to beam with intelligence. No bird, I believe, 
ever looked more intelligent, albeit embarrassed, than 
the one just gone as he stood with the fish in his bill 
P 
