MODERN CLIFF-DWELLERS 



separate crags, both of them white on top with 

 brooding Gannets. Then we looked directly down 

 over the edge of the cliff, and stood entranced at 

 the sight. It was indeed one of life and motion, 

 for a throng of birds filled the air, ceaselessly pass- 

 ing and repassing. Some were leaving their nests, 

 to scale down and out over the water. Others 

 swung up from the ocean level, to alight each in 

 its proper niche. Others passed by us within a few 

 feet, but none flew over the land. Years ago the 



" THERE WAS THE SCHOONER ALREADY SAILING AWAY, AND 

 NORTH BIRD ROCK OUT BEYOND " 



birds occupied the whole level area of green-sward 

 on top, which I should think is about three hun- 

 dred yards long, and half as wide. Now, however, 

 since the building of the lighthouse, they recognize 

 the fact that man has the ascendency. 



There was no cessation in the passing throng, 

 any more than there is in business hours on the 

 principal street of a large city. It was a constant 

 habit for birds to act as though they were about to 

 alight, hovering slightly as they passed some con- 

 venient crag, even extending their feet, but decide 



57 



