THE PROTECTOR OF BIRDS 205 



" At the approach of the vile thieves clouds of birds 

 rise from the rock and fill the air around, wheeling and 

 screaming over their enemies; yet thousands remain in an 

 erect posture, each covering its single egg, the hope of both 

 parents. The reports of several muskets loaded with heavy 

 shot are now heard, while several dead and wounded birds 

 fall heavily on the rock or into the water. Instantly all 

 the sitting birds rise and fly off affrighted to their com- 

 panions above, and hover in dismay over the assassins, who 

 walk forward exultantly, and with their shouts mingling 

 oaths and execrations. 



" Look at them ! See how they crush the chick within 

 its shell! How they trample on every egg in their way 

 with their huge and clumsy boots! Onward they go, and 

 when they leave the isle not an egg that they can find is 

 left entire. The dead birds they collect and carry to their 

 boat. Now they have regained their filthy shallop, they 

 strip the birds by a single jerk of their feathery apparel, 

 while the flesh is yet warm, and throw them on some coals, 

 where in a short time they are broiled; the rum is pro- 

 duced when the guillemots are fit for eating, and after 

 stuffing themselves with this oily fare, and enjoying the 

 pleasures of beastly intoxication, over they tumble on the 

 deck of their crazy craft, where they pass the short hours 

 of night in turbid slumber. 



" The sun now rises above the snow-clad summit of the 

 eastern mount ; ' sweet is the breath of morn,' even in this 



