2l6 REPTILES AND 



or other fry are abundant, they congregate in vast numbers, along 

 with Auks, Red-throated Divers, and Gulls of various species. About 

 the end of April great quantities may be seen flying in strings along 

 the coast towards their favourite haunts, which are the precipitous 

 cliffs of Flamborough Head, the Fame Islands, St. Abb's Head, and 

 other well-known spots on the English and Scottish seaboard. No 

 preparation is made by the parent birds for the reception of the 

 eggs, which are deposited in hollows of the rocks and ledges of the 

 cliffs, each female laying a single one, although a great number are 

 often seen so closely packed together as to be possibly covered by 

 one bird. 



Where the cliffs are lofty and other birds breed with them, the 

 Guillemot occupies a zone above the Kittiwake and below the 

 Razor-bill. "It is interesting," writes McGillivray, with the en- 

 thusiasm of one who has tried it, " to visit one of the great breeding- 

 places, to row along the foot of the cliffs in a boat, or to stand 

 on a near promontory, and see the multitudes perched on the rocks, 

 or flying out to sea or returning ; or to look out from the summit 

 upon the groups in sight ; or startle from their stations a whole 

 flock by letting down a large stone ; or to descend by some crevice, 

 clinging with ringers and unshod feet to the little narrow ledges, 

 and creep in among the eggs ; or to be let down, dangling on a rope, 

 half trembling between fear and excitement." 



