( IIP ) 



XII. 

 AMONG THE SEA-BIRDS AT THE FARNE ISLANDS. 



LYING a few miles off the coast of Northumberland is 

 the group of low rocks known as the Fame Islands, 

 rendered famous for all time by the daring deed of 

 heroic Grace Darling. These romantic rocks are 

 perhaps the most famous breeding station of sea-fowl 

 in the British Islands, as regards the variety of species 

 frequenting them, whilst their easy access has rendered 

 them special favourites with naturalists. Let us first of 

 all visit the quiet little fishing village of Sea Houses, 

 where we can obtain the necessary boat for our journey 

 to the islands. As seen from Sea Houses, the Fames 

 look low and uninteresting on the north-eastern horizon ; 

 and a stranger would never dream of the presence of such 

 vast and varied bird-colonies that exist upon them. 

 But as our " coble " bends to the fresh westerly breeze, 

 we are soon able to make out a few of the many birds 

 that make the islands their head-quarters, and our 

 curiosity is excited more and more as we approach 

 nearer. 



