CONSERVATION IN LABRADOR 



thousands remain in an erect posture, each 

 covering its single egg, the hope of both par- 

 ents. The reports of several muskets loaded 

 with heavy shot are now heard, while several 

 dead and wounded birds fall heavily on the 

 rock, or into the water. Instantly all the sit- 

 ting birds rise and fly oH affrighted to their 

 companions above, and hover in dismay over 

 their assassins, who walk forward exultingly, 

 and with their shouts mingling oaths and exe- 

 crations. Look at them! See how they crush 

 the chick within its shell, how they trample on 

 every egg in their way with their huge and 

 clumsy boots. Onward they go, and when they 

 leave the isle, not an egg that they can find is 

 left entire. The dead birds they collect and 

 carry to their boat. . • . 



"The light breeze enables them to reach 

 another harbor a few miles distant, one which, 

 like the last, lies concealed from the ocean by 

 some other rocky isle. Arrived there, they 

 re-act the scene of yesterday, crushing every 

 egg they can find. For a week each night 

 is passed in drunkenness and brawls, until, 

 having reached the last breeding-place on the 

 coast, they return, touch at every isle in suc- 

 9SS 



