GAXNET. 
when just ready to leave the nest is considerably heavier than an old bird, and, falling from such a height, 
must have struck the boat with immense force. 
Some young Geese that had entirely lost the down were taken on the 18th of August for specimens , and I 
also obtained one in the stage termed by the natives a “ Parliamentary Goose.” It occasionally happens that 
the whole of the down disappears with the exception of a thick covering on the head and neck ; this much 
resembles a wig, and gives the bird a most comical expression. I hav^e seldom seen one showing that stage 
so perfectly as this specimen, whose portrait is given in the Plate. As usual, I remarked many of the 
youngsters very ill-tempered, snapping and quarrelling continually amongst themselves. On the 19th, wind 
west and weather fine, we were again out to the Hock, and between three and four dozen young Geese vere 
taken ; I also procured four young birds for rearing in confinement. One hundred and eighty-five young 
Geese were obtained on the 20th. The weather was dull and damp and the rocks were extremely dirty; the 
ropes, however, were used, though the work was far from agreeable. We were out again to the Bass on the 
24th, and five dozen young Geese were brought back. This was the last day of the season I assisted at the 
operation. Having now gained all the knowledge concerning the “ farming of Gannets that could possibly 
be acquired in this district, I turned my attention to the large flocks of Skuas which had lately shown 
themselves in the Pirth. As the crew from Canty Bay sailed with me, the taking of the Geese was carried on 
by fresh hands from North Berwick. The weather, however, was much against a good “ harvest,” and but few 
more birds were brought ashore. 
On the 30th of September, the wind being light from the south and a calm sea, some large flocks of 
Gannets were observed about halfway between the Bass and the May Island; these birds appeared to have 
found fish of some kind (probably herrings) very plentiful and close to the surface. The graceful manner in 
which the Gannet takes its prey, steadying itself for a moment in the air and then darting headlong beneath 
the waves, must be seen to be thoroughly understood. Many of the birds were busily engaged dashing down 
in the usual fashion from a height of twenty or thirty, or perhaps forty, yards ; I also noticed several were 
rising only a few feet from the water, and, after making two or three strokes with their wings, immediately 
plunging down again, their line of flight in such cases representing a perfect curve of ten or fifteen feet in height 
and about twenty or thirty yards in length. I imagine, wdien this method of capturing their prey is followed, 
that the shoals of fish must be close to the surface. It is only in the autumn and off the Scotch coast that I 
have witnessed this style of fishing. As far as I have been able to ascertain from constant personal observation 
all round our coasts, the Gannet (when in a state of nature) does not attempt to dive while swimming. As I 
have repeatedly watched my tame birds indulging in this performance, it is evident they are quite capable of 
obtaining their food in this manner, if so inclined. It is, I believe, seldom that these birds prey upon the 
lythe or pollock whiting, which is excessively abundant in this part of the Pirth ; I am unable to recall a 
single instance where I have seen a fish of this species brought as food to the Bock. On one occasion an 
immature Goose of about three years of age was secured after darting down and seizing a lythe struggling on 
a line. The Gannet appears to be a good judge of fish, and usually selects only the best flavoured and most 
nutritious of the finny tribe. Towards the end of the month there were large shoals of mackerel along the 
shore, and the fish attracted numbers of Gannets ; the birds occasionally swept down so close to the rocks, 
that it was a wonder how they escaped destruction in the shallow water. 
Heavy gales occurred early in October ; but as the weather moderated on the 7th, I made an attempt to 
visit the Bass, in order to learn if all the young Geese had left their breeding-places. On approaching the south 
side we discovered that it was utterly impossible to effect a landing without considerable risk, as a terrible 
swell was surging round the Rock. In order to obtain a view, sail was lowered and the boat pulled round ; 
it was, however, necessary to keep at a respectful distance, owing to the surf. Though all tlie breeding-stations 
were carefully examined through the glasses, not a single young Goose could be distinguished on any of the 
