LXXVII. HEISKAK. 



THE GOLDEN PLOVEK (Charadrius pluvialis). We met with the 

 Golden Plover on the Island of Heiskar, in the open sea 

 some miles beyond Canna. We went there after seals, as it is 

 a favourite resort for them. We found them more interesting 

 than the Plovers, which may be seen on any Scotch moor, and 

 abound in poulterers' shops. We had a splendid summer day, 

 with just wind enough to take us there, and not enough to 

 make landing difficult. It was agreed that no one was to fire 

 for half an hour, so that I might have time to observe the 

 seals and make a sketch of them. We crept quietly up to the 

 top of the island, where we could look down on a small lagoon 

 in the basaltic rocks. The tide was out, and there were many 

 seals playing about and barking, and there were many more 

 swimming in the sea beyond. One we thought was dead was 

 lying in the foreground, but it was only sound asleep, and 

 at the first gun report it waddled off to the nearest water, 

 bobbing along on its stomach. It was the only one we 

 secured. 



According to Sir Walter Scott, the seal loves music in common 

 with other animals : 



' Earth, ocean, air have nought so shy 

 But owns the power of minstrelsy. 



Rude Heiskar's seal, through surges dark, 

 Will long pursue the minstrel's bark." 



When whistled to in Loch Ailort, or when a flute was played, 

 I have seen them raise themselves breast high in the water. 

 Whether they admired or only wondered at the gentle sounds I 

 do not know ; but they had a very different effect on them 



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