PETRELS. 247 



rough and chalky in texture, and with a strong 

 pungent smell, which is retained by the shell for 

 years after the egg has been taken. This egg is 

 laid in May. 



There are few more stirring sights in the bird 

 world, than a colony of Fulmars. Time can never 

 efface the vivid scene that was presented to me, as 

 for the first time I peered over the mighty cliff 

 Connacher, and viewed the countless hosts of 

 Fulmars at their nesting-places. Just before the 

 summit was reached, a few Fulmars could be seen 

 flying above the cliff, then dropping behind the 

 ridge out of sight. When I got to the top and 

 looked over, the scene became grand, imposing, 

 indescribable. The suddenness of it all was well- 

 nigh overpowering. One moment, not a bird to be 

 seen ; the next, countless thousands of drifting birds 

 flying about in all directions along the face of the 

 cliffs, passing to and fro, backwards and forwards, 

 like snow-flakes in a gentle breeze, far as the eye 

 could follow them ! All the Fulmars drifted to and 

 fro in silence ; not a single bird uttered a cry. No 

 bird flies more gracefully than this Petrel ; it seems 

 to float in the air without effort, often passing to 

 and fro for minutes together without perceptibly 

 moving its wings. They are remarkably tame 

 and confiding birds, flying past one at arm's- 

 length, the bright-black eye contrasting strongly 

 with the snowy plumage. When disturbed by 

 the firing of a gun, the Fulmars and other sea- 



