241



THE


Avicultural Magazine,


BEING THE JOURNAL OF

THE AVICULTURAL SOCIETY.



Third Series. —Yol. IX.—No. 9 .—All rights reserved. JULY, 1918.



PUFFINS ON THE SALTEE ISLANDS.


By G. E. Low.


These islands, which lie off the coast of Wexford to the south¬

east of Ireland, are distant from the mainland just over three miles,

but are connected with it by a bar or ridge, which is partially sub¬

merged and partly tidal, the latter portion being called St. Patrick’s

Bridge.


These bars, between the mainland and Little Saltee and

between the two islands, are evidently attributable to the accumula¬

tion of shingle and stones at the meeting points of opposing currents

on the west and east of the islands.


The islands are mainly composed of gneissose or foliated

granite, traversed by numerous faults and breaks, which are respon¬

sible for the indented character of the coast line. In the large

island the rocks are slightly more varied, and some basic dark green

hornblende rock occurs, as well as a true granite, near the landing

place.


This paradise for sea birds can be reached by rail from

Dublin to Wexford, thence by car to Kilmore Quay, the remainder

of the journey being accomplished by boat.


I visited the Greater Saltee, where the photos which accom¬

pany this article were taken, some years ago.



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