172 BIRDS OF LOCH AND MOUNTAIN 



of the hen as she stood ready for flight at the edge 

 of the nesting ledge. Immediately on seeing us 

 she flew off at top speed and did not return while 

 we were at the nest. We were rather surprised 

 at this, for at our last visit she sat closely and 

 hovered round us the whole time, calling loudly, 

 and once or twice half-swooped at me while 

 I was at the nesting ledge. A freshly-discharged car- 

 tridge, however, lying at the foot of the rock told of 

 an unsuccessful attempt on the part of some keeper 

 to add the sitting Peregrine to the list of his victims, 

 notwithstanding that the bird is strictly pro- 

 tected throughout the year. Fortunately, she had 

 escaped, but her experience had doubtless made 

 her more wary, and she had probably been warned 

 of our approach by the Grouse which we flushed 

 and which flew past her. 



Each ascent to the nest made the rock more diffi- 

 cult to climb, as the grass which previously afforded 

 somewhat of a foothold was rendered insecure by the 

 strain put upon it. My companion, also, in his 

 endeavours to climb, clutched somewhat wildly at 

 any grass that was near, and succeeded in pulling a 

 good deal of it out. Having gained the nest, the 

 camera was hauled up by a rope, and, after a good 

 deal of manoeuvring, I got it in position in a some- 

 what precarious point of vantage and exposed 

 four plates, all of which fortunately turned out 

 well. The eggs, as will be seen from the accom- 

 panying illustration, were placed in a curious crescent 

 formation. 



From the rock a grand view was obtained. 

 Eastwards the sun was shining brilliantly on 

 the North Sea, which was lit up with beautiful 

 effect, and fishing boats could be clearly made 



