32 WILD LIFE AT HOME. 



this is in the generality of places, we manage by 

 calls. For more rope the cry is a long-drawn 

 "slaak," and for enough a short, sharp "stop." 

 These signals are, however, very difficult to catch 

 and distinguish at times when on big sea-cliffs, on 

 account of the boom of the waves below and the 

 crying and Availing of the seafowl. No talking 

 ought to be indulged in by the people round the 

 crowbar, as it interferes with the hearing and proper 

 understanding of the photographer's wants. 



In the case of a ledge, sufficiently large to walk 

 along and fix the camera up on being encountered, 

 it is never wise to let go the ropes, however in- 

 convenient they may become, especially if the ledge 

 has been gained by a swing in. An acquaintance 

 of ours, upon descending to a white tailed eagle's 

 eyrie situated on a ledge in the face of an ocean 

 cliff, did this, and in consequence had a rather 

 perilous time of it. When he desired to retrace 

 his steps he found that he could not reach his 

 ropes, and dared not risk a leap out and the chance 

 of missing them. His only alternative was a diffi- 

 cult zigzagging climb along the face of the crag, 

 which, after a deal of hesitation, he essayed and 

 succeeded in safely accomplishing. 



The best way to take a camera and tripod 

 down a cliff is to sling them over the back of the 

 photographer, as shown in our illustrations, for then 

 they do not impede his progress or inconvenience 

 him in any way. Having got down to an eyrie, 



