200 HILLSIDE, ROCK, AND DALE 



cormorants' nests that I was a little surprised to find 

 very little unpleasantness as I walked about among 

 them. I found out the reason afterwards, however ; 

 a strong wind was blowing off the rocks and carried 

 the evil smell away. 



The day we chose for going to the Megstone Rock 

 had an atmosphere perfect enough for giving an idea 

 of the disagreeable effluvia which comes from the 

 nests. It was hot, cloudless, and hardly a breath of 

 wind was felt as we landed. Our boat was brought 

 into a little creek and there anchored, while we with 

 our cameras climbed up the black, slippery sides of 

 the rock. As soon as we stepped on to the rock and 

 commenced climbing, we obtained a slight whiff of 

 the odours which awaited us above. This first breath 

 alone would have turned some squeamish people 

 back ; but such a trifle as an evil smell would not 

 turn enthusiastic photographers from their path, and 

 so we went forward. Up flew the cormorants in a 

 cloud, calling harshly, while the fainter cries of their 

 young could be heard. Round and round the rock 

 they flew in widening circles, making a deafening 

 noise as they passed by. Now we are among the 

 nests, and oh, that smell ! I cannot describe it. One 

 seems to be almost able to see the ill odours in the 

 air. The stink is so thick you are reminded of what 

 Londoners say of their world-famed fogs, " you could 

 cut it with a knife." As we walk about or stop to 



