402 THE GULL. 



some particulars relative to the habits of the birds of which 

 we are now speaking. 



The spot we allude to is at the back of a mountain near 

 Holyhead, which terminates abruptly in a series of precipices. 

 At the foot of one of these is a small island, called the South 

 Stack, on which a light-house has been erected within the last 

 few years, well known to those who navigate the Irish 

 Channel. Upon this rock, which, before the erection of the 

 light-house, was almost inaccessible, myriads of sea-fowl used 

 to build ; but when the works were commenced, in 1808, the 

 unusual appearance of persons on the island, with their noisy 

 operation of blasting, so disturbed the proceedings of the 

 birds recently arrived, that, with the exception of a solitary 

 pair of Gulls, the whole body, including Guillemots and 

 Razor-bills, took to flight, leaving the workmen in full pos- 

 session of a spot, which the birds, from time unknown, had 

 occupied by a sort of prescriptive right. This solitary pair 

 had taken post on an inaccessible ledge of bare rock, in the 

 face of a precipice, and seemed to be aware that nothing but 

 shot or stones could dislodge them. Their determined con- 

 fidence in the security of their stronghold met with its due 

 reward, orders being issued that none should molest them. 

 The consequence was, that in a short time they became quite 

 familiarized to the noise and bustle, and remained until their 

 young were reared, and in a condition to shift for them- 

 selves. 



In the ensuing Spring, the same pair, as was supposed, \ 

 retook possession of their old post and strict orders, as before, '; 

 were given, on no account to disturb them ; and, as a further 

 protection, no fire-arms were allowed to be used; nor were 

 strangers who disregarded these rules to be admitted again 

 on the island. In consequence of a rigid attention to these 

 humane regulations, the same pair continued, for five succes- j 

 sive years, to visit this ledge, rearing their young, consisting I 

 generally of two, and never exceeding three in number. But 

 although only this single pair were observed to breed on the 

 island, a considerable number, at times, as if aware of their 

 security, sought the shelter denied them on the main-land ; 



