ROCK-FOWLING IN NORWAY. 347 



During these operations a boat awaits the fowlers at the foot of 

 the rock; into this the fowl are taken, after being let down in 

 bundles by a cord, or thrown down singly into the water by the 

 birdmen, if not at so high an elevation as to injure them by the 

 concussion. 



In fine weather, and during favourable seasons, when the fowlers 

 have climbed to difficult places, and found an abundant number of 

 birds, they sometimes remain on the rocks six or eight days at a time. 

 There are generally holes and clefts sufficiently large to admit the 

 body of a man; into these the fowlers creep; where, resting in 

 safety by day, they pursue their calling at night. 



On such occasions provisions are supplied them from the top of the 

 precipice, by being let down with a small rope. 



During the fowlers' sojourn in the rocks their companions in the 

 boats are regular in attendance once or twice at certain specified 

 hours generally at dawn of day to take away the birds or eggs 

 which are let down in the manner before mentioned, and to respond 

 to the signals and supply the requirements of their more adventurous 

 companions. 



The fowling is performed chiefly by night ; but the egging, which 

 is done at a different season of the year, is generally pursued 

 by day. There are stated periods of the year for this 

 perilous work : the first takes place in May, when they go after 

 the eggs of gulls, kittiwakes, and such like, which are of excellent 

 flavour : those of the razor-bill, puffin, and guillemot are rank and 

 unpalatable. 



The other method of fowling resorted to by the Norwegian bird- 

 men is attended with equal, if not greater hazard, though sometimes 

 with astounding success. Some of the rocks are inaccessible to the 

 climber; the fowler is therefore let down to the bird-colonies by 

 means of a bird-rope : this proceeding is termed "to sie." The bird- 

 rope is generally from one hundred and sixty to two hundred yards 

 in length, and about the substance of three fingers in thickness. One 

 end is made fast to the back part of the bird's-man's belt ; or, as is 

 more frequently the case, there is a belt fitted to the end of the rope, 

 so as to fasten securely at the back. It is then drawn betwixt the 

 bird-man's legs, in such a manner that he sits upon it ; and so is let 

 down with the bird-pole in his hand. Another plan is, by fastening 

 the end of the bird-rope to a small beam or pole, upon which the 

 fowler sits ; but this is not considered a safe method unless a lashing 



