EGGS OF THE GUILLEMOT. 41 



hidden rocks, which crowd the shore, that boats 

 seldom venture out in quest of sport unless in a 

 perfect calm. 



Our friend the Laird had a large collection of eggs, 

 some of them very rare, gathered chiefly by Donald, at 

 the risk of life and neck, from the rocks and caves on 

 the coast. A curious circumstance, which however 

 seems well authenticated, is, that many birds, by a 

 wonderful provision of nature, can produce their eggs 

 of a colour corresponding to that of the place in which 

 they are deposited. A guillemot, for instance, will lay 

 eggs on a chalk cliff, white speckled with black ; but if 

 her nest be on the seaweeds, the eggs will be green 

 with black spots, varying in shade according to cir- 

 cumstances ; and thus she is the more able to baffle 

 the quick sight of those numerous enemies to whom 

 her eggs are daintiest fare. 



The second day of our rest proving a very fine one, 

 and our limbs being still too stiff and our feet too sore 

 to admit of walking to any great extent, we were 

 induced by the glowing accounts of Donald to try the 

 salt-water fishing. Accompanying him, therefore, down 

 to a small group of buildings close to the beach, 

 amongst which (there being two or three cottages of 

 dependants) we found a species of storehouse, wherein 

 were oars, sails, anchors, and everything requisite for 

 boating, the boats themselves lying on the beach ready 

 for use, we selected one of a moderate size, suited for 

 four oars; and enlisting in our service a lad with a 

 very knowing look, who lived in one of the cottages 

 hard by, we speedily launched our vessel; and when 

 Donald had brought down the requisite tackle, we 

 stepped on board from a pier of nature's own making, 

 and each taking his oar, began our voyage. Our 



