126 



THE SWAN AND HER CREW 



we have had one take already of 2,500 in one day, and I expect 

 to get about 1,500 to-day- You see my men are collecting 

 already. We only take the first laying of each bird if we can 

 help it, but nests are so close together that it is hard to remem- 

 ber which we have taken and which we have not. If you would 

 like to come on the Hearth, as we call the island in the middle, 



COMMON GUI.L. 



you can do so, but you must put these mud boards on your feet, 

 for it is very soft and dangerous walking." 



They crossed to the island in a heavy tub of a boat, and were 

 surprised to see the number of eggs and nests. The nests were 

 not more than one yard apart, built on theground like water-hens', 

 but not so cup-shaped. The number of eggs seemed to be about 



