phesident's addeess. 73 



ancient epoch, when volcanic action was in full play throughout 

 the Lothians and their neighbourhood. Many of the stratified 

 beds on the coast line are formed of volcanic ash, which was 

 forced up through volcanic vents, and spread over the bed of 

 the then-existing sea. Time did not allow us to examine these 

 beds minutely, but we could not help noticing the numerous 

 '■^inches''' or islets which stud the coast line, and which are re- 

 mains of harder rock cut off from the shore by the action of the 

 strong tides and waves that now wear and tear this rocky coast. 

 The Island of May stood out in mid distance, and our view was 

 bounded by the rugged coast of Fife. 



Canty Bay is the only place at which boats can be obtained 

 for landing on the Bass, the lessee of which is also the proprietor 

 of the little inn. Mr. Downey, the present lessee, was expecting 

 our arrival, but we so much resembled a small family party that 

 we had taken possession of the principal room in the inn without 

 being noticed. But on making ourselves known, he speedily 

 had a boat ready, manned by a quiet, canny, octogenarian Charon 

 of eighty -five summers, and two stalwart assistants. The flowing 

 tide was rushing fast and furious on to the rocks of this rugged 

 coast, and our boatmen kept us well in and along the coast to 

 the south for a mile, thus enabling us to have a good view of 

 Tantallon Castle and the coast line with its thick beds of vol- 

 canic ash. Then hoisting sail we were soon out to sea, scudding 

 through the guK to the Bass, a passage crossed in bygone des- 

 potic days by many a sad but manly heart. The boat was sur- 

 rounded by groups, " schools," of Guillemots, Razor Bills, and 

 Puffins, the members of each species keeping together in little 

 flocks, and tossing about on the rough waves of the open sea. 

 They seemed accustomed to such intruders, merely winking at us, 

 and then quietly paddling out of the boat's way. Soon we came 

 among the Gannets ; these keep well out from the coast and near 

 their islet home, a mass of rock, precipitous to the eye on all 

 sides but the one which we were now fast approaching. What 

 a sight for a novice ! As we came near their rocky home the 

 noise and number of Gannets increased continually, and the 

 sky seemed literally alive with large white birds flying in all 



