r> L A C K G U I L L E M O T 
UltlA GRYLLE. 
The true home of the Blaek Guillemot in the British Isles is evidently along the northern and western 
coasts of the Highlands; I failed to detect any breeding-stations further towards the south-east than 
Duncansby Head, though there are doubtless other portions of the dull red clitfs of Caithness, overlooking 
the North Sea, to Avhich they resort. I could gain no information from the two oldest fishermen at 
Canty Bay, John Kelly and Andrew McLean, both acquainted ivitli the Bass from their boyhood, that 
this species had bred upon the rock, though the fact has been recorded by more than one writer. Unless 
the interior of the caves or the ruined buildings among the fortifications were made use of, the formation 
of this rocky island does not seem adapted to their requirements, as I never observed their eggs on open 
and exposed ledges, and no other accommodation could they possibly have secured in the face of these clitfs. 
At the May there is, so far as I have been able to ascertain, good evidence that some years back a few 
pair frequented certain portions of the island and regularly reared their young. While in pursuit of 
Ducks along the shores of Gullane Bay, in the Firth of Forth, after a strong north-east gale and a heavy 
sea, in January 18G4, I discovered tivo dead birds of this species in winter plumage lying at the high- 
water mark among the weeds cast up by the tide. In 18G8 and the following year I often drove in early 
spring through Sutherland and Caithness to the north, and repeatedly remarked small parties at sea 
actively ducking and diving in the waves off the coast about Golspie, Helmsdale, and Dunbeath. A Black 
Guillemot, in almost adult though Avorn and faded plumage, Avas obtained just outside the rock on which 
the outer lighthouse stands at the Fern Islands in May 1867 ; no others were seen, and I Avas unable 
to ascertain from Darling, the egg-collector, that they Avere more than uncertain visitors at the present 
time to that part of the coast, though supposed to have been summer residents in former days. 
I passed some time in May 1868 in exploring the Avest coast of lloss-shire, and in the deep cracks 
and crevices in the face of the red cliffs, or the detached rocks near the Stack Buie, detected Avith the 
help of the glasses numbers of eggs of this species. Concealed among the huge blocks of fantastically 
shaped stone encumbering this Avild and rugged shore, I Avas enabled to Avatch the birds fly in from the 
Minch and make their Avay toAvards their gloomy quarters : after alighting on the ledges they usually 
paused for a fcAV moments, gazing eagerly around, then stooping fonvards, rapidly disappeared in the shade 
beloAV the OA^erhauging rocks. My attention Avas particularly attracted by the rapid movements of these 
birds and the speed Avith Avhieh they made their Avay among the stones or over the rocks, their actions 
contrasting greatly Avith tlie shufEing gait of the Common Guillemot, Avhich invariably drops from the 
air into the ledge it frequents, in close proximity to its egg or young. This species also possesses 
the poAver, not bestowed on its relative, of rising from a Eat surface; the latter, as all are aware 
who have studied their habits in a state of nature, gain no assistance from their Avings till a 
considerable drop beloAV the ledge from which they spring has been effected. On the island of Fura 
