THE GULL. 403 



where, notwithstanding the bare and perpendicular character 

 of the precipices, there was scarcely a spot among the clefts 

 and hollows to which the young men and boys of the neigh- 

 bourhood did not find their way, in search of eggs, for which 

 they found a ready demand. 



The main body of Gulls at length finding that these 

 wonted haunts no longer afforded security, either taught by 

 the experience of the above pair, or by their own observation, 

 in the Spring of the sixth year took refuge on the island, 

 chiefly at the south side, on an inclined plane of rock, where 

 they have remained during the breeding season, ever since ; 

 and on this spot, in particular, their artless nests are spread 

 in such numbers, that it is difficult, at times, to avoid tread- 

 ing upon them. It is remarkable, however, that only two 

 pair of the Black-backed Gulls returned, and these, according 

 to their usual habits, not only built apart, but never herd with 

 the rest. Neither have the Eazor-bills and Guillemots re- 

 established themselves in the same abundance, or with the 

 same apparent confidence, which may, in some degree, be 

 accounted for, by the parts of the rock most suited to their 

 habits, having been more or less used as landing-places. But 

 although these poor birds have, contrary to the general rule, 

 found a protector in man, they are not entirely without their 

 troubles and annoyances. Certain Crows (the light-keepers 

 say, a pair only of one particular species, probably the red- 

 legged, Corvus graculus) come at the same time, and build 

 their nest just opposite the Stack, as if for the express pur- 

 pose of harassing and stealing their eggs. For no sooner do 

 the Gulls begin to lay, than these two Crows are perpetually 

 on the look-out, frequently hovering over, and watching for 

 an opportunity to carry off a prize. 



The moment the thieves appear, the whole Gull colony is 

 in a state of commotion and consternation : those on the nests 

 cowering over their new-laid treasures, while the others, by 

 their screams and menacing attitudes, do their best to 

 frighten and drive the marauders away. But the cunning 

 Crows usually gain their point : watching an opportunity, 

 D D 2 



