SEA GULLS. 271 



other birds, as well as from visitors from the main, 

 they had always returned thither at the usual 

 period. 



Having noticed the pair that remained which 

 were on the shelf, in a large cavern out of reach, 

 except by shot, he said that he felt every wish that 

 they should not be disturbed, and gave directions 

 for that purpose, which were attended to, and the 

 noise and movements on the island becoming fami- 

 liar to them, they continued in the occupation of 

 their building until the usual time of departure, 

 when their young got upon the wing, and were able 

 to take care of themselves. 



In the ensuing spring at the usual period, he 

 was delighted to see the same spot taken possession 

 of again, and as he believed by the same pair, and 

 therefore gave particular directions to the light- 

 keepers not to forget them when strangers came on 

 the island : no fire-arms were to be admitted there, 

 and whoever appeared to disregard the edict was 

 not to be allowed to come over again. This soon 

 became known, and the birds were not molested. 

 For five successive years the pair of gulls (as it was 

 supposed) continuing during the usual periods to 

 occupy the same spot, and to rear their young, 

 which consisted generally of two and sometimes 

 three; during those five summers, although one 

 pair only built on the rock, considerable numbers at 

 times congregated there, as if sensible of the pro- 



