NOTES ON THE SANDWICH TERN. 
J. BACKHOUSE, F.L.S., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. 
Marroges: 
As may be generally known, one ed the chief breeding-places. 
in England of this ‘ Atlantic species’ is upon the Farne Islands. 
adjacent to the Northumberland coast. Here, during the past 
three years an acquaintance, developing on our side at least 
into a lasting friendship, has sprung up between us! Latterly, 
the birds have been steadily increasing in numbers, thanks to 
the unwearying watchfulness of the secretary of the Protection 
Society and of his excellent keepers resident upon the Inner Farne. 
wo islands can each boast of a large colony of the Sand- 
wich Tern—the first photograph representing that on the 
Knoxes, where last year (1897) at least 100 pairs were nesting. 
Here, owing to the scanty herbage, one may walk among 
and freely examine dozens of eggs without the risk of breakage, 
which is not the case on the Wideopens, where nettles and 
ro 
but also hosts of Eider Ducks. e nest is usually a mere 
hollow in the ‘shell-sand’ or among very small pebbles, and is 
rarely lined at all. 
The sects in the colour and markings of the Sandwich 
Terns’ eggs has always (since our first introduction) been a study 
of great interest to the Writer, and it is with satisfaction that 
the € accompanying illustration of three shar is here appended. 
March 1898. 
