362 THE WILD-FOWLER. 



sometimes so regularly trained to its duties, that it is sent unattended 

 in search of puffins ; when it goes about its business with the same 

 sagacity as if its young- mistress accompanied it. On a dog- being- 

 sent on an errand of the kind, it generally returns in a few minutes 

 with a live puffin in its mouth ; then, if required, it is sent on a 

 second and third excursion, and so on until sufficient are caught for 

 the day's subsistence.* The feathers and down of these birds are 

 of great use and value both for domestic comforts and as an article of 

 commerce. 



* This method of fowling is also practised in several other rock-fowling localties, 

 and is alluded to in the " Fseroa Eeserata." 



Vide also " Travels through Sweden, Norway, and i'iumark," by A. De Capell 

 Brooke, M.A. 



