TO ORKNEY AND SHETLAND. Ill 



can digest, they are frequently compelled to dis- 

 gorge part of their meal, which the Gull is per- 

 mitted quietly to receive as the reward of his vo» 

 luntary attendance: he is, moreover, a vigilant 

 sentinel, and repays them for their liberality by 

 giving them warning on the approach of danger. 

 To the Seal this bird is of essential service. It is 

 the custom of these animals to lie upon the rocks 

 for hours in succession, and so well acquainted 

 are the natives with their haunts, that they raise 

 small bulwarks to conceal their approach. This 

 Gull however frequently frustrates all these pre- 

 cautions by sounding the note of alarm, thereby 

 informing the Seal that danger is close at hand, 

 and if the latter is not disposed to avail himself 

 of this friendly intimation, they will frequently 

 strike them on the head with their feet : when 

 the Seal retires into the water all further care on 

 their part ceases, as they consider him then in a 

 situation to protect himself, but should he appear 

 again within gunshot of the place he has left, the 

 Gull will dart down at him and frequently splash 

 the water in his face, as if to threaten him for his 

 temerity. The female in general lays three eggs ; 

 I have taken four from a nest, but it is rare to 

 find the latter number. 



