00 ORNITHOLOGICAL RAMBLES. 



billows in the cerulean distance ; and far beneath my 

 feet along the base of the cliffs, dashing with a bursting 

 spreading surge, and resounding with a booming echo 

 in their hollow caves. Directing my steps homewards, 

 a pleasant walk over the hills brought me within view 

 of the very picturesque bay of Stromness ; its waters 

 quiescent, with a glassy smoothness, beautifully reflected 

 the hulls and rigging of two noble vessels belonging to 

 the Hudson's Bay Company, which have this day put 

 in here for a fortnight, on their voyage to that territory. 

 Their annual visit to these islands causes a marked 

 stir and excitement in the town and neighbourhood, 

 and their arrival was announced by a lengthened feu 

 de joie, the echo of which was dying away among the 

 hills as I commenced my walk this morning. It was 

 a soothing lovely view, heightened and made rich 

 beyond expression by the varied hues of a fading 

 streaky sunset. 



" Hoc etiam, emenso quum jam decedet Olympo, 

 Profuerit meminisse magis : nam ssepe videmus 

 Ipsius in vultu varies errare colores : 

 Caeruleus pluvium denuntiat." 



VIRG, Georg. Lib. 1. 



