

THE ZOOLOGIST. 



THIRD SERIES. 



Vol. VIII.] NOVEMBEE, 1884. [No. 95. 



A VISIT TO SKOMER ISLAND. 

 By the Rev. Murray A. Mathew, M.A., F.L.S. 



In delightful weather at the end of May I was able to gratify 

 a long-formed wish to visit Skomer Island, and to make acquaint- 

 ance with its birds, especially with the Manx Shearwaters. I 

 had the advantage of the company of Mr. Mortimer Propert, of 

 St. Davids, who is an enthusiastic oologist. Eeceived with'no 

 little kindness by the hospitable occupier of the island and his 

 family, we saw the sights of his interesting domain under most 

 favourable circumstances, and much that is stated below is the 

 result of information which he imparted to us. 



Skomer Island lies off the south-west of Pembrokeshire, at 

 the southern extremity of St. Bride's Bay, corresponding with 

 Eamsey Island, which occupies a similar position to the north, 

 and like the sister island is parted from the mainland by a 

 narrow sound of deep water through which the tide rushes with 

 great force. The sounds which part the two islands from the 

 shore have besides the same characteristic in being studded with 

 rocks, which render them rather dangerous for navigation when 

 there is anything like a sea on, which is generally the case. In 

 area Skomer contains about 700 acres. All over its surface large 

 citadel-looking rocks crop up, and give to the island its name, 

 which is taken from a Danish word signifying "the rocky.'' 

 Eemains of an ancient occupation are visible in sepulchral 

 barrows, and in the rough outlines of dwelling-places and 

 enclosures. A conspicuous mark on the eastern side of the 



ZOOLOGIST. — NOV. 1884. 3 -^ 



