THE BASS ROCK 213 



in getting ashore, owing to the heavy swell which 

 rose and fell around the steep and sombre sides of 

 our haven. By good management and waiting for 

 a favourable opportunity, however, we were able to 

 jump from our rocking boat and to cling on to the 

 water-washed rock. Then we climbed up the uninvit- 

 ing landing-place, made more uncertain as regards 

 foothold by the broken condition of the rock, owing 

 to a lighthouse which was being constructed. When 

 above this we progressed up a pathway in places so 

 steep, that it was more difficult than climbing the 

 face of the rock. The top was reached at length, 

 however, and we took a survey and formed some 

 necessary plans for our visit on the morrow. We 

 stayed on the summit for about an hour, and in that 

 short time climbed down to examine several of the 

 nests, some of which had fresh eggs in them, while 

 others were almost ready for hatching. The boat 

 had to return earlier than we expected, but our 

 hurried visit just gave us an idea of the best part to 

 go to when we returned with our cameras. 



. The morning opened bright and gave prospect of 

 being a perfect summer day. Once again we landed 

 on the rock, and had a little difficulty in getting our 

 apparatus safely on shore. Everybody has heard of 

 this remarkable little island, while many have seen it, 

 but few, except bird-lovers, scientists, or antiquaries 

 have landed thereon. A brief description will help 



