12 The Bird Rock Group. 
intervals to warn vessels of their proximity to the Rock. To the 
use of this cannon is also in part attributable the diminution in the 
ranks of the other birds inhabiting the Rock, and, writing of his 
visit in 1881, Mr. William Brewster remarks: ‘‘At each discharge 
the frightened Murres fly from the Rock in clouds, nearly every 
sitting bird taking its egg into the air between its thighs and 
dropping it after flying a few yards. This was repeatedly 
THE LANDING AT THE BASE OF THE ROCK, SHOWING CRATE. 
(From “ Bird Studies with a Camera,’”’ by permission of D, Appleton & Co.) 
observed during our visit, and more than once a perfect shower 
of eggs fell into the water about our boat.”’ * 
Birp Rock To-Day. 
In spite of the great decrease which has occurred in Bird 
Rock’s population, it still remains one of the ornithological 
wonders of our Atlantic coast. Unfortunately, however, the 
1 For a further history of Bird Rock see Brewster, Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., 1883. Lucas, 
“The Auk’’—New York—V., 1888, pp. 129, 278 ; also, in connection with the identity of Ap- 
ponatz, Hardy, /ézd., 380, Chapman, “‘ Bird Studies with a Camera.” 
