The Fame Islands. 261 



by different species of birds. With the exception 

 of two on which the lighthouses stand, and of a 

 third on which two of the keepers live during the 

 breeding season, they are without human inhabi- 

 tants, and after the departure of the birds are 

 given over entirely to a few rabbits, which must, 

 we should imagine, find it hard to eke out a 

 subsistence during the winter months in such 

 extremely bleak and inclement quarters. It may 

 be added that on the inner Fame, which is the 

 largest of the group, there are two lighthouses, 

 and also a curious little church dedicated to St. 

 Cuthbert, and an old tower, formerly used as a 

 lighthouse, and known as St. Cuthbert's Tower ; 

 and as this island has quite a considerable popula- 

 tion one at least of the lighthouse keepers at the 

 present time having a wife and family it is not 

 frequented by the birds as the others are. 



To any one who is a lover of birds there can be 

 no greater treat than a visit to the Fame Islands 

 during the breeding season ; indeed, in our opinion 

 they afford a sight which well repays the traveller 

 even for the trouble of a ten hours' journey from 

 London. The second week in June is the best 

 time to visit them, as this is the height of the 

 breeding season, and in addition to the eggs, 

 which are practically countless, the visitor has 

 the pleasure of seeing many newly-hatched birds. 

 To reach the islands it is necessary to charter a 

 coble. This, with its crew of three men, can be 

 obtained at North Sunderland, which can boast of 



