266 The Fame Islands. 



of an eider duck, and then, within a very short 

 distance, one or two more. These nests are most 

 cosily lined with the brown down which the bird 

 picks from her breast, from time to time,, during 

 the process of incubation, and in which the large 

 greenish-grey eggs, from five to eight in number, 

 are almost covered. The eider ducks seem quite 

 aware that they are protected, and many of them, 

 especially when sitting deep in the sea campion, 

 with which most of the islands are covered, will 

 permit a very near approach unmoved, sitting as 

 quietly as any tame duck. While the ducks are 

 thus engaged with family cares the drakes leave 

 them, and may be seen swimming about near the 

 islands, their handsome black and white nuptial 

 plumage being extremely noticeable. On another 

 and larger island, off which the Pinnacles lie, we 

 are met on landing with the same clamour of 

 seagulls, but the birds are noisier and bolder, one 

 or two of them occasionally dashing down close to 

 our heads in a threatening manner, screaming 

 loudly the while a sure sign that they have 

 young ones and with very little search the little 

 down-covered creatures can be found, having, 

 though very lately hatched, left their nests to hide 

 among the herbage or under any piece of dry 

 seaweed or other rubbish that may be near. The 

 centre of the island is thickly overgrown with sea 

 campion, and is white with blossom which fills the 

 air with perfume ; the soil is light and peaty, and 

 is full of burrows, the possession of which, is 



