SEA-GULLS. 5 



and accumulates around the base of the headland, is 

 seized by the same power in broad masses, and carried 

 against the sides of the projecting rocks ; flying hither 

 and thither like fleeces of wool, and adhering like so 

 much mortar to the face of the precipice, till it covers 

 great spaces, to the height of many fathoms above the 

 highest range of the tide. The gulls flit wailing through 

 the storm, now breasting the wind, and beating the air 

 with their long wings as they make slow headway; 

 then, yielding the vain essay, they turn and are whirled 

 away, till, recovering themselves, they come up again 

 with a sweep, only again to be discomfited. Their 

 white forms, now seen against the leaden-grey sky, now 

 lost amidst the snowy foam, then coming into strong 

 relief against the black rocks ; their piping screams, 

 now sounding close against the ear, then blending 

 with the sounds of the elements, combine to add a 

 wildness to the scene which was already sufficiently 

 savage. 



But the spring-tide is nearly at its lowest ; a rocky 

 path leads down from our eminence to a recess in the 

 precipice, whence in these conditions access may be 

 obtained to a sea- cavern, that we may possibly find 

 entertainment in exploring. 



We reluctantly turn our backs upon the magnificent 

 battle of sea and land, and following this sheep-track, 



