BIRD-LIFE UPON THE CLIFFS. 



latter species, perhaps because nesting places are 

 so abundant, is very commonly distributed round 

 Tor Bay during the summer, breeding for the 

 most part in scattered pairs, but in one or two 

 places congregating in small colonies. There is 

 a colony near Corbyn Head, close to Torquay 

 Railway Station ; we had another and much more 

 extensive one at the Preston end of Paignton sands, 

 until the cliffs were destroyed, partly by winter 

 gales, and partly to make room for the sea-wall now 

 in course of construction. Another small colony is 

 situated in a soft sand-cliff close to the Paignton 

 harbour, behind the inn there. These birds are 

 sometimes seen both very early and very late in the 

 season. With a view to any possible hibernation 

 in this species, we have made it a rule for years 

 to keep a close watch upon the cliffs during winter, 

 especially on exceptionally mild and sunny days, 

 but we have never had the good fortune to see 

 a trace of the birds. We have also visited the 

 cliffs when a fall has taken place, laying bare 

 many yards of the face, but always with negative 

 results. The House Martin is not so generally 

 distributed, because suitable cliffs are not so 

 common. The bird, however, may be seen breed- 



