AMONG THE WATER-FOWL 



climbed back to the top. My friend went off with 

 his camera, and the Keeper came along, offering to 

 pilot me about, taking me to the north side, the 

 highest part of the island. Here was another de- 

 scent by ladder, and the invitation was given me to 

 go down to a fine Gannet colony. I accepted it, 

 and followed my guide, not without considerable 

 trepidation, down two ladders, about half way down 



the precipice. 

 Here it was nec- 

 essary to walk 

 along a narrow 

 ledge, barely 

 wide enough for 

 one's feet, for 

 about fifty yards 

 ere we could 

 reach a broad, 

 safe promontory 

 at the corner of 

 the island. At 

 first it seemed 

 like courting a 



violent death to follow that strait and narrow 

 way along the verge of destruction ; but assured by 

 the Keeper, and steadying myself by his big, brawny 

 fist held out behind him, I passed safely through 

 the ordeal, and breathed more freely when we 

 reached the projection, where we could view two 

 sides of the cliff. 



Upon the continuation of the same ledge, 

 around the corner, was a splendid array of Gannets 

 upon their nests. The nearest were only about ten 



62 



A LINE OF MURRES EACH SITTING ON ITS 

 SINGLE EGG LAID ON THE BARE ROCK, 

 CLOSE IN UNDER THE OVER- 

 HANGING CLIFF" 



