44 LUNDY ISLAND. 



the colour both of the ground and of the markings ; 

 and, indeed, in the shape, though the characteristic 

 form is generally maintained. The eggs are taken in 

 considerable numbers by the youths on the island, as 

 well as by fishermen from the neighbouring coast. 

 The explorer and collector is let down from above by 

 a rope in the hands of his comrades ; and, as he tra- 

 verses the ledges, he picks up the eggs, and places them 

 in a large pocket tied round his waist. In the season 

 we see them offered for sale by the fishermen's chil- 

 dren at Ilfracombe, at a penny each ; and many are 

 purchased as curiosities by visitors, who are struck 

 with their singularity and beauty. If I mistake not, 

 I have seen them sold also in the streets of London 

 by sailors. In Newfoundland I have often eaten 

 them, where they are well known by the name of 

 Baccalao-birds' eggs. Their taste and flavour are by 

 no means unpleasant ; but the glair, which remains 

 semi-transparent, has a curious appearance. On Lundy 

 they are used in the preparations of cookery, but are 

 eaten alone only by the poor. 



That rarest of British birds, the great auk, a spe- 

 cies as large as a goose, there is some reason to believe, 

 is occasionally seen at Lundy. A specimen was picked 

 up dead in the sea near the island in 1829 ; and the 

 fishermen have spoken to Mr Heaven of having seen 

 at the herring-station an auk of very large size, which 

 that gentleman has conjectured to be the species in 

 question. 



