GENERAL DESCRIPTION 15 



and those of various kinds of birds (including the Great Auk, 

 an extinct species) and fishes, Avere identified. The Kabbit, 

 though now plentiful in the island, is not indigenous, 

 and is consequently not included as such in Mr Grieve's 

 list. It is said that rabbits were first introduced from 

 Barra in the eighteenth century, and that holes were dug 

 for them in the sand-hills at Baile-Mhaide. The shellfish 

 mentioned by Mr Grieve include the Oyster. Limpet- 

 hammers, barbed bone spear-heads, lap-stones, and other 

 articles were also found during excavations. Other shell 

 deposits are to be seen at Cnoc Sligeach, Cnoc Riabhach, 

 etc. Two places of interest not previously referred to in 

 connection with Oransay are Cill-a-Mhoire, the site of an 

 old chapel, and Dun Domhnuill, a conspicuously situated 

 hill-fort with the ruins of rather extensive fortifications 

 on the top. 



Surrounding Oransay are a number of smaller islets and 

 exposed reefs, congenial homes of the Cormorant (Sgarbh), 

 the Eider Duck (Lacha Mhor), and many other sea-birds. 

 In the winter time the scene is enlivened by the arrival of 

 flocks of the Barnacle Goose (Cathan), Grey Lag Goose 

 (Geadh Glas), Pintail Duck (Piobaire), and other visitors 

 which are driven south from Northern Europe by the severity 

 of winter. Seals of two kinds are numerous ; the large Grey 

 Seal (Tabeist) preferring the solitude of the outer reefs, 

 while the Common Seal (Ron) is more frequently seen in the 

 bays and channels nearer shore. Lying high and dry, 

 beyond the reach of the tide, the young of the Grey 

 Seal are to be seen on the rocky islets in late autumn. 

 They are generally creamy white in colour, solitary, and 

 lying motionless on the rocks, but showing signs of 

 anger when approached. Helpless little creatures, too fat 

 and buoyant for diving, they put their heads, in fancied 

 security, under the water in times of danger. While 

 they are still young their mothers are said to shift their 



