128 CONFESSIONS OF A BEACHCOMBER 



arily disturbed, they merely wheel about close overhead, 

 remonstrating against intrusion in thin tinny screams, 

 and settle again on their eggs before the friendly visit is 

 well over. Not for ten years at the least have sea-birds 

 utilised this spot. Realising their privileges elsewhere in 

 the immediate neighbourhood, they have thrust themselves 

 under official protection. They crowd me off a favourite 

 promenade, mine by right of ten years' usage. They scold 

 every boat, affront passing steamers, and comport them- 

 selves generally as if on the assurance of counsel's opinion 

 on the legality of their trespass. 



And so it has come to pass, that the example of the 

 uninfluential Beachcomber, in the establishment of an 

 informal and unofficial refuge for birds, has been warranted 

 and confirmed by the laws of the country. A proclamation 

 in those terms, those good set terms, which time and 

 custom approve, forbids shooting on this and two neigh- 

 bouring groups of islands. Is there not excuse in this 

 flattery for just a little vainglory ? 



