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THE BIRDS OF THE FARNE ISLANDS. 
R. FORTUNE, F.Z.S. 
Harrogate. 
Tue Farne Islands are a group of rocky islets off the coast of 
Northumberland, having altogether an area of about eighty 
acres. Here sea fowl in countless numbers resort to breed. 
I remember visiting these islands twenty years ago, when a 
sort of half protection was afforded the birds. This ‘protection’ 
really meant that those who were supposed to be looking after 
the birds did so chiefly for their own profit. The fishermen 
made ceaseless raids, taking large quantities of eggs, and 
collectors did likewise. 
However, all this is now changed. the birds are looked after 
during the nesting season by a party of gentlemen banded 
together under the name of the Farne Islands Association. 
Four or five keepers are kept upon the Islands during the 
whole of the nesting season, and their sole work is to look 
after the birds. This is, of course, not done without consider- 
able expense. There is no fixed subscription to the Association, 
each member gives what he likes or can afford. It is pleasing 
to find that there are several members of the Yorkshire 
Naturalists’ Union in the Association. 
To Mr. Paynter, of Alnwick, the Hon. Sec. of the Association, 
the thanks of all Naturalists are due for his untiring efforts on 
behalf of the birds. 
The best way to approach the islands is from the little 
fishing village of Seahouses, where, at the Bamborough Castle 
Hotel, passes may be obtained. Every visitor must sign a 
form promising not to take eggs. Visitors are not allowed to 
stay very long on any of the islands, and especially is their 
time restricted where the Terns nest. 
What with looking after the visitors and keeping their _ 
‘weather eyes’ open for raids from the fishermen, the keepers 
in fine weather have their time fully occupied. In bad 
weather they have a fairly easy time, as landing upon the 
islands is practically impossible. 
Altogether about fourteen species of birds find a sanctuary 
here. Zhe bird of the islands is, without a doubt, the Lesser 
Black Back Gull. He is everywhere, and although undoubtedly 
a fine and handsome species, I cannot help thinking he is 
Naturalist, 
