Modern Cliff-Dwellers 



plunge like an arrow into the wave with a force 

 that suggests concussion of the brain, disappearing 

 for some seconds, and then fluttering up with the 

 lish which is seldom agile enough to escape such 

 an onslaught. 



It was interesting to hear the Keeper tell about 

 the birds. After the breeding-season they all 

 scatter, and very tew feathered creatures are seen 

 during the long winter but tiles of hardy Ducks, 

 like the Eiders, as they fly along the lanes in the 

 drift-ice. What an experience it must be to re- 

 main isolated from the world, in all those bitter, 

 tearful storms, beyond human help tor months at a 

 time ! No wonder these brave and hardy people 

 rejoice over the return of the birds in the spring. 

 Records ot this and other phenomena have been 

 kept at the request of scientitic societies or of the 

 Government, and I will quote a little trom the 

 ledger. A record ot temperature, bv the way, is 

 also kept, and other meteorological tacts. The 

 highest recorded temperature on the Rock was 73 

 degrees, Fahrenheit. During the daytimes of our 

 stay the mercury indicated trom 48 to 55. Who- 

 ever visits the Bird Rocks, even in summer, should 

 wear winter clothes and not torget a heavy overcoat. 

 Here is a calendar of the arrivals ot the birds in 

 the season of i 900 — as the Keeper had it : 

 March 14. I dozen Kittiwakes 



" 15. 2 dozen Kittiwakes 



" 16. 100 Kittiwakes 



" 18. 500 Kittiwakes. Disappear for a few 

 days 



" 22. 1000 Kittiwakes 



7' 



