Modern Cliff-Dwellers 



separate crags, both of them white on top with 

 brooding Gannets. Then we k)oked directly down 

 over the edge of the cHff, and stood entranced at 

 the sight. It was indeed one of lite and motion, 

 for a throng ot birds hlled the air, ceaselessly pass- 

 ing and repassing. Some were leaving their nests, 

 to scale down and out over the water. Others 

 swung up from the ocean level, to alight each in 

 its proper niche. Others passed by us within a few 

 feet, but none flew over the land. Years ago the 



THERE WAS THE SCHOONER ALREADY SAILING AWAY, AND 

 NORTH BIRD ROCK OUT BEYOND " 



birds occupied the whole level area ot green-sward 

 on top, which I should think is about three hun- 

 dred yards long, and half as wide. Now, however, 

 since the building of the lighthouse, they recognize 

 the fact that man has the ascendency. 



There was no cessation in the passing throng, 

 any more than there is in business hours on the 

 principal street ot a large city. It was a constant 

 habit for birds to act as though they were about to 

 alight, hovering slightly as they passed some con- 

 venient crag, even extending their teet, but decide 



57 



