144 



THE BIRDS OF IONA AND MULL. 



was not particularly damaged, though the shillelah was con- 

 siderably injured by the collision. 



The Cormorant generally flies low along the surface of the 

 water to and from its fishing ground : though sometimes when 

 making a long passage, especially in windy weather, it soars up 

 to a very great height. Occasionally, in a perfect calm, when the 

 sea is as smooth as if solidified into crystal, a bird may be seen 

 drying his wings without leaving the water ; he sits erect in the 

 sea, floating about for half an hour at a time with his wings 

 spread in the air, presenting a curious appearance. 



I 



