THE WESTERN ISLES. - 27 



which at one time sheep, cattle, and horses were brought across to 

 feed. The southern end of the island once contained inhabitants, 

 but all, or nearly all, of them having died of fever, it has since been 

 deserted. Rabbits are very abundant. Since the island came into 

 the possession of Mr. Cameron it has been very strictly preserved. 

 The consequence of this is that birds have increased vastly in 

 numbers, and at the time of our visit Eiders might be seen in every 

 direction sitting on their nests. The Common and Black-headed 

 Gulls have also established good-sized colonies, the latter breed- 

 ing in almost quite dry situations in the stunted heather and 

 short grass, their nests showing no difference from those of their 

 neighbours the first-named birds. Before they were preserved, the 

 birds, as elsewhere, were systematically robbed, and when we were 

 there in 1883, the Eiders were quite rare birds by comparison. 



GAIRSAY. 



Lying almost due north of Kirkwall, this is the first island met 

 with when going in that direction. It is small, being only a mile 

 and a quarter long by about three-quarters of a mile broad on the 

 average, but the ground rises to a considerable height. Although, 

 as usual, the shores are mostly rocky, these nowhere rise to any 

 altitude, and they afford no great attraction for any species of rock- 

 bird. On the north side are some quiet bays, where we have seen 

 a good number of Wild Duck and Widgeon, there being good feeding- 

 ground for them there. Sweyn Holm lies to the north-east, and a 

 visit to it in the breeding season is of great interest, from the variety 

 and number of birds breeding there. Snipe and Eider Ducks are 

 very numerous, besides an abundance of Redshanks, Terns, Shel- 

 drakes, etc. Between Gairsay and Shapinsay are some skerries, 

 mostly covered at high water, but upon which, as the tide ebbs, 

 numbers of the Common Seal assemble. 



EGILSAY. 



The island of Egilsay lies to the east of Rousay, and is about 

 three miles long by one broad on an average. The sea-beach is 



