250 BIRDS. 



" The very first place we came to at the point was evidently 

 the shelving rock intended by Buckley ; and certainly the only 

 place the least likely, if indeed possible, as a resting-pl&ce of the 

 birds. But it would have been better described as west of the 

 extreme Mull of Papa, 1 i.e. by compass and chart. It 

 appears certainly as accessible at all states of the tide; but I 

 can scarcely agree with the statement as regards its being out of 

 the way of the surf of all ordinary summer gales. To-day the surf, 

 without much wind at all, came in from the north-west, and 

 rushed impetuously up the slopes, breaking half-way up the 

 shelving rock, at least ; and it was perfectly self-evident that in 

 a gale from the same direction, it would dash violently upon 

 the very faces of the superintending cliff above. I could not 

 bring myself to consider it as at all a likely spot for a nesting 

 site, though likely enough for a resting-pl&oo." 



"We took two photos of it, however, one from near the sea 

 level, from a low rocky point to the west, and another, looking 

 down the slope from the east. I designate these as ' Possible 

 landing-place and resting-place of the Great Auk in Papa 

 Westray (1) from the west, (2) from the east.' 



" Further to the east, close to the furthest headland of the 

 Mull marked by a cairn another photo was taken, but of a 

 much less likely place. It was even less satisfying in all con- 

 ditions either as a resting or a nesting place." 



"After inspecting the rest of the west cliffs, we retraced our 

 steps, wishing to lose no time over ground already worked, and 

 besides, being desirous of getting under weigh as soon as possible 

 for Seal Skerry, N. Eonaldsay." 



" But now, on our way going to the Mull, along the central 

 road and ridge of the island, we interviewed an old man of 

 civil speech. He vaguely remembered the tale of ' The King of 

 the Auks,' and pointed in a north-easterly direction, and towards 

 the range of cliffs called ' The Fowl's Craig.' where, he said, the 

 bird was shot. But, as Buckley's directions said nothing of 

 this, and pointed to the west side only as a possible nesting (or 



1 " The Mull " is a name, however, applied to the whole rounded promontory 

 of the north end of the island, and must be so considered when reading the 

 various accounts of the capture of the bird. 



