

OBSERVATIONS ON THE FAUNA OF ST. KILDA. 285 



Bay when we landed, and remained till we departed on June 21st. 

 We could find no trace of any nesting haunt. 



Dunlin. — Although stated to be a breeding species by Gray, 

 I never saw a bird at all, neither do I think the St. Kilda Islands 

 suitable for it as a nesting locality. Mr. McKenzie informed me 

 that he saw one there two years ago. 



Eider Duck. — About a dozen frequented the E. and W. bays. 

 A nest containing four eggs was found on June 3rd. 



Red-breasted Merganser. — One frequented the East Bay 

 on June 11th, but I believe it was only a straggler from the 

 Hebrides, and was not seen again. 



Great Northern Diver. — One appeared in the village bay 

 on June 6th. 



Puffin. — By far the largest colonies of this bird are on 

 Borrera and Soa, where they are said to be on the increase. They 

 have destroyed the greater part of the pasture of these islands by 

 burrowing and killing the grass around, owing to their immense 

 numbers. They also breed in countless thousands on St. Kilda 

 and Doon as well. The factors receive about 200 stone (24 lbs. 

 St. Kildian stone) of feathers from these islands yearly. It takes 

 about 450 Puffins to make a stone of feathers. The feathers of 

 other birds are mixed with them, but Puffins are by far the 

 greatest producers. 



Razorbill. — The largest colonies noticed of the Razorbill 

 were those at the base of Conacher, and on Doon. 



Guillemot. — I cannot agree with Mr. Dixon as to the quantity 

 of eggs taken. I found a creel full — not a boat load — was 

 considered a fair day's work among the men. 



Black Guillemot. — Rare; the only breeding site noticed 

 was in the chasm between Doon and St. Kilda. 



Great Auk.- — The old grey-haired man, Lachlan McKinnon, 

 mentioned by Mr. Dixon as having taken part in stoning to death 

 a Great Auk in Stack-an-Armin, was, I am sorry to say, dying 

 when I left the island. An interview with him during my stay 

 would have been useless, as I was informed that his memory had 

 left him for some time. The natives told me of a ledge on Soa 

 named after the bird which it is said to have frequented in the 

 breeding season. 



Great Black-backed Gull. — \Fairly numerous, and breeding 

 in several localities on all the islands. 



