Birds from the West Coast of Africa. 267 



no vegetation in this desert country they are compelled to 

 use what nature provides. I found these birds more sliy 

 than any of the previous kinds^ and it became obvious, after 

 several futile attempts to catch them on their nests, that 

 other methods must be employed. Our people were carrying 

 sticks about the size of broom-handles, and as the females 

 returned to their eggs immediately we moved away, some of 

 the men crept within reach, and with a smart tap on the 

 neck, secured several specimens. This proved rather dan- 

 gerous work, as we were surrounded by Gannets, and, 

 though they are peaceful birds, they resent men creeping 

 on all fours amongst them and their eggs. With such 

 formidable beaks, a blow in the face might prove serious ; 

 in fact, this did happen to our genial headman whilst he 

 was making for a further pair, but, fortunately, he was struck 

 below the eye, though this caused a nasty wound which 

 bled profusely. As a fair number of specimens had now 

 been secured, I resolved not to try for any more, but to 

 turn my attention to the large White-breasted Cormorants 

 (P. luc'idus), the rarest variety found here, of which there were 

 only two nests on the island. Returning once more for a 

 short distance, we were able to see the birds from where we 

 stood, but the men greatly doubted the possibility of being 

 able to stalk them, as they are the most shy of all. As I had 

 promised not to use firearms on or near the island, there 

 was nothing for it but to try and take them in the same 

 manner as the Reed Cormorants; for skins of this species 

 were particularly required. After a good many attempts, 

 between which the birds kept returning to their nests in 

 a most persistent manner, we had to give it up, and, whilst 

 the headman said the only way to get specimens would be by 

 shooting, I was loth to do this. It struck me that trapping 

 might answer the purpose, so I arranged to procui'e some 

 traps, which were placed on the nests, and by this means 

 both pairs were caught. Their nests were larger than the 

 others, and placed in a very prominent position. The eggs, 

 like many taken, were too well incubated to be blown. 



Passirig east through the Gannets, we walked along the side 



SKK. IX. — VOL. VI. u 



