86 TRAVELS OF A NATURALIST 



and heard numbers throughout the day, and in some 

 cases the old birds were accompanied by the young flying, 

 as with those of this morning. 



From Lars Larsen we got an egg of the Black Scoter, 

 which was the last of a nest of nine, which he had found 

 near Soeter Hesteorne some time ago one month the 

 egg was quite fresh. He had eaten the other eight, the 

 old rascal. 



To-day was a day of disappointments and small mis- 

 fortunes. I lost my ramrod and Alston his ' tolle knive,' 

 both of which articles must have slipped out of their 

 cases. Also in the morning we found that the ramrod of 

 the little gun must have likewise dropped en route yester- 

 day. Luckily the ramrod of the big gun can be replaced 

 by the washing-rod, which unscrews and goes into the bag. 



When searching for the Bjerg-ulf we saw tracks and 

 excreta of Bear in profusion. Lemmings were here last 

 autumn in small numbers, which agrees with there being 

 so few on the Fillefjeld this year. Adders are said to 

 be common here, and Frogs are so. 



After dinner we skinned the three Wagtails, and then 

 about 10.30 or 11 p.m., we went up to the last mentioned 

 Bjerg-ulf rock to watch for the chance of a shot at the 

 birds. But they came not, and we got back about twelve. 



We went to bed about 1 a.m., having first vanquished 

 the fleas completely by means of Keating. 



July 7. 



Friday, the 7th of July, was wet until twelve o'clock, 

 after which we went in search of Wagtails, Bluethroats, 

 etc. We found two young Budytes melanocepliala sitting 

 on the grass, which we caught and carbolised. We also 

 shot two young White Wagtails; but one of them was 

 badly spoilt. We skinned a Bluethroat which Ole shot 

 last night. 



