112 NOTES ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE BELL ROCK. 



sider this a special provision for their needs, it was ultimately 

 abandoned. At present a repulsive - looking "poach" or 

 "cobbler," some ten inches long, shares this prison with a 

 couple of large star-fishes, an unusually large hermit crab, 

 and a derelict mass of "paidle" spawn. The spawn daily 

 decreases in inverse ratio to the " poach's " liveliness. Apart 

 from this, however, the spawn shows signs of deterioration, 

 a proof that the attention of the cock is necessary for its 

 well-being. 



On the 17th, the remaining four pairs of eiders took their 

 departure, and only a few gulls now remain. 



Owing to my transference to another station, it now 

 becomes necessary for me to conclude these random jottings. 

 To the patient reader who has cared to follow me through 

 these notes I bid farewell. Written without any pretensions 

 to literary skill or scientific accuracy, they have nevertheless, 

 in my case, served to enliven many a weary hour in an isolated 

 calling, and have may I hope*? proved not altogether void 

 of interest to the reader. 



THE END. 



Edinburgh: George Waterston &* Sons, Printers. 



