242



Mr. G. E. Low,



The surface of the ground is gently undulating, frequently

covered with large boulders of local and other rocks. Not much

soil occurs, except in localities favourable for its accumulation and

preservation. What does occur is rather of a gravelly nature and

less clayey than on the mainland. In places on the southern cliff

slopes it is distinctly loamy or sandy, and is much burrowed into by

the numerous colonies of Puffins which congregate there.


I should think these birds outnumber all the other marine

species which breed on the islands combined. So numerous are the

burrows that, in moving along the breeding slopes, one constantly

sinks ankle-deep in the sandy loam of subterranean tunnels.


As we pause to rest on the upper slopes, we get some impres¬

sion of the vast number of this species inhabiting the island.


A constant stream of birds descends from the various burrows

to the sea with clumsy flight, their little orange webbed feet extended

behind and appearing to assist in directing them.


At the same time the air is full of Puffin life flying in a wide

circle out to sea and back over the headlands. As the birds pass

over the land the tired ones fall out and drop to earth, eventually

forming large companies. The direction of their flight, so far as I

recollect, was invariably with the hands of the clock, looking from

above, but I imagine this must be largely governed by the direction

of the wind, as presumably they would land with greater facility

.against it.


Their demeanour, as they sit In large battalions, is most

amusing; with gaze full of curiosity fixed on the intruder, the more

flaring ones occasionally move a little closer with quaint waddling

gait, on their feet and heels, in order to get a better view.


As it is possible to approach to quite close quarters, “ Tommy

Norie ” can easily be caught with a fishing-rod, to the end of which

a fine copper noose is attached. By the exercise of some skill and a

little patience this is slipped over his head, and the astonished and

very much annoyed bird soon finds himself suspended in mid-air.


We amused ourselves for a while at this game, subsequently

releasing our captives.


On the Island of St. Kilda, west of the Hebrides, Puffins are

captured for food in large numbers by rows of horse-hair nooses



