66 IN AUSTRALIAN WILDS 



a bird lover. Whenever I hear Gulls calling along the 

 coast near my home I long to be among the isles again. 



Before leaving Melbourne we were advised to 

 "look out for snakes" on Cat Island. It was stated 

 that venomous species swarmed among the grass 

 tussocks, which must be traversed to reach the 

 rookery. On landing, we remembered the warning 

 and walked warily. Some of us wore leather leggings, 

 others had puttees, and one of the sailors went bare- 

 footed. Snakes may abound on Cat Island, but they 

 were not much in evidence on this occasion, for only 

 two were reported. Apart from the main rookery, 

 we discovered a small colony of birds, the aristocracy 

 of Gannetopolis, no doubt. I spent some time there, 

 and obtained a fine series of photographs, as the 

 birds were quiet and posed beautifully. 



Close to Cat Island lies Storehouse Island, where 

 several Cormorant rookeries exist. Landing on the 

 wave-swept granite rocks was difficult, and one mem- 

 ber of our party met with disaster. He leaped too 

 late as the boat was falling back, and splashed into 

 the sea. Fortunately, he managed to reach a rock 

 and scrambled ashore, drenched. Then he emptied 

 his coat pockets, displaying a mess of broken eggs, 

 studded with coins and miscellaneous objects. This 

 mishap was retribution for robbing nests in the Gannet 

 rookery. Our comrade was unprovided with collect- 

 ing tins, and had slipped two or three eggs into his 

 pockets. He was philosophical, and laughed with us, 

 as he stood shivering on the rocks. 



The Cormorants [Phalacrocorax gouldi] were 

 nesting close to the landing place, a company of solemn 

 looking birds, with white breasts and greenish-black 

 plumage on the upper part of the body. Some were 

 standing, with wings outspread, others sat on the 

 nests. As we drew near the birds became suspicious, 

 and presently all were gazing in our direction. 

 Cameras were used quickly, and, foot by foot, we 



