<62 NOTES ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OP THE BELL ROCK. 



since the 27th. The eiders continue in close attendance and 

 have had their numbers augmented by the arrival of the 

 longtails on the 9th, a week earlier than last year, thus 

 completing our list of regular boarders for the winter. At 

 6 p.m. on the 13th we were privileged with the unusual 

 spectacle of a lunar rainbow. The bow a faint white arc 

 against the dark background was distinctly visible in the 

 nor'-west, though, of course, void of the vivid colouring 

 inseparable from its solar namesake. 



While taking a turn round the balcony on the evening of 

 the 15th, our attention was attracted to what appeared to be a 

 peculiar shaped mass of foam resting on the rocks immediately 

 beneath us. On careful observation, however, the object was 

 seen to move slightly in the faint moonlight, and by the aid 

 of our telescope the outline of a seal could be dimly seen. 

 On the change of the watch at 6 p.m. an attacking party, 

 including the workmen then on the Rock, was organised, and 

 & plan of campaign drawn up. Descending the outside 

 ladder, which was fortunately in deep shadow, we were able to 

 gain a footing on the Rock unperceived. His suspicions had, 

 however, evidently been aroused, as he was seen to lift his 

 head sniffing uneasily in our direction. Bracing ourselves 

 within the margin of the shadow cast by the tower, we 

 charged down upon him at the double, expecting to see him 

 beat a hasty retreat to the water; but, to our surprise, he 

 made no effort whatever in that direction, but seemed to 

 consider himself quite a match for us, and that there was no 

 present necessity for retreating. Snarling and snapping 

 viciously as we surrounded him, he appeared at a great dis- 

 advantage compared with his agile movements when in his 

 element, his hind flippers being now of practically little use to 

 him, his lumbering movements being effected by the aid of the 

 fore flippers alone. His furious efforts to sample portions of 

 our anatomy were easily avoided, and by laying hold of his hind 

 flippers, as one would trundle a barrow, he was immediately 

 placed hors-de-combat. An unfortunate squid or cuttlefish, 

 which had been left stranded by the receding tide, when pushed 



