CHAP. xii. NEIGHBOURHOOD OF PENNAN. 249 



of the most mighty wave that ever spent its fury 

 at their base, and defied the stormiest blast from 

 the icy North ; where the largest gull in its midway 

 flight appears no larger than the smallest of its kind ; 

 where the falcon breeds beside and in perfect harmony 

 with the other inhabitants of the rocky cliffs ; where 

 multitudes of birds, of various forms and hues, from 

 the snowy whiteness of the Kittiwake to the sable 

 dye of the croaking raven, have found a resting-place 

 whereon to build their nests and deposit their young ; 

 here, I thought, as I was about to leave the busy 

 throng even here, man, the noblest creature, though 

 too often degrading himself beneath the lowest of 

 animals, might learn lessons of industry and affection 

 from these humble monitors of Nature." 



During breeding-time the clamour of the sea-birds 

 is tumultuous, though the lashing of the sea at the 

 foot of the cliffs tends to a great extent to lull their 

 noise. But towards evening all becomes still again. 

 Edward frequently ascertained this by personal ex- 

 perience. Being in the neighbourhood of Pennan 

 one day, he went along the Head, in order, if possible, 

 to get a sight of the far-famed eagles of the pro- 

 montory. He was unsuccessful on the occasion. He 

 had loitered by the way, and the declining day at 

 length warned him to leave the place without seeing 

 the coveted sight. His road westward lay along the 

 coast. With disappointed hopes he trudged along, 

 scarcely thinking how the hours were flying. At 



