OKNITHOLOGICAL EAMBLES. 59 



which lends enchantment to most views, only causes 

 here a deceptive mortification. I fire occasional shots, 

 but their only effect is to cause the birds aimed at to 

 drop off their retreat, and fly and dive away, apparently 

 rejoicing in a charmed existence. Joseph, now 

 sarcastically smiling, suggests the advisability of 

 rounding the next point and commencing more 

 successful operations against the guillemot. But I am 

 rampant as to ultimate success, and determined that 

 I will not raise the siege till some of the inhabitants 

 succumb. 



Scrutinising with the utmost minuteness every 

 object in the field of view, T can just observe, peering 

 from the dark recesses of a craggy gorge, which, if it 

 had been somewhat larger and deeper, might be aptly 

 termed a cave, two of these birds, within comparatively 

 easy range, seated on a flat, broad ledge, the female 

 resting on her nest, and the male bird close beside her 

 in patriarchal and sedate solemnity. The steep 

 scarped sides of the chasm sloping abruptly into deep, 

 calm water, formed a spot of fearful association amid 

 the echoing turmoil and angry lashings of a tumultuous 

 sea. 



Bringing in the boat as near as was attainable, I 

 raised my gun and fired at the male bird as he was on 

 the point of leaving the rock. It is remarkable what 

 a blow these thick-skinned, close-feathered sea-birds 

 must receive to effect any fatal execution. Having 



