24 the ornithologist's guide 



it receives the name of Noss Head, or Hang Cliff. 

 In the crevices of this rock almost all the various 

 species of sea birds breed in perfect security ; and 

 about half a mile to the north-west of this is a 

 deep cavern in the cliff, which the natives call 

 the Doo Cave, from the number of Rock Pigeons 

 which are always to be found there. The island 

 gradually descends towards Bressa, where there 

 are good landing-places; it is very fertile; the 

 lowest ground is covered with moss, and the sides 

 of the hill, and even the top, with long grass. It 

 was amongst the moss and the long grass at the 

 lower part of the hill that I found the nests of the 

 Arctic Gulls. I shot a great number of the old 

 birds, and got several eggs. After my return 

 from the North Island I visited this place again. 

 for the purpose of obtaining the young birds, 

 which I was fortunate enough to procure. The 

 island abounds with rabbits, and the farmer who 

 lives on and rents it is anxious to have them 

 exterminated, on account of their destroying his 

 crops. 



Having obtained specimens of the various birds, 

 I now felt anxious to visit the Northern Islands, 

 and having everything prepared, I set off on the 

 11th of June in an open boat, with four men, my 

 own man, and my son, for Catfirth. During the 



