TIIK L0X(}-TA1LE1) DUCK. 
259 
waves, facing tlie wind, and after drilling a hundred yards or so 
to leeward, all taking wing together, and with low but vigorous 
llight making up their lost distance, only to repeat the process 
again and again as often as necessary. Under these circum- 
stances they are not easily driven away, even by frequent 
shots ; but once, while storm-stayed at Mid Yell, I saw a large 
Hock fly off, in great haste, on a grampus suddenly making 
its appearance at no gTeat distance. They flew much farther 
than usual, and instead of alighting in good order and sitting 
facing the wind, they swam about anxiously in all directions, 
as if greatly alarmed. Whether the monster was in chase of 
them or not I cannot say, but on its reappearance within a 
hundred yards of them, they took wing with one accord, and 
flew completely away from the voe. They are said, and with 
some truth, to go seawards at night when the weather is fine, 
but when a gale was blowing in winter I have seen them, as 
darkness approached, assemble under the lee of the rocks, a pro- 
ceeding scarcely ever ventured upon in the daytime. 
The peculiar form of the trachea in the male is well known, 
but the idea that both sexes have the same cry is decidedly 
erroneous. The characteristic note, uttered by the male alone, 
and from which the species has been variously named, is 
difficult to put into words. In Shetland the name Calloo ” 
has been fixed upon, the cry being not unlike the words “ Cal, 
cal, callo ! ” uttered in a distinct but gentle tone : that, however, 
referred to by Mr Gray in his “ Birds of the West of Scotland ” 
(p. 389), — “ Oitr, 0 , u, ah!” conveys as accurate an idea of the 
sound as can be given by words. This cry, uttered by all the 
males of the flock, may be heard at all times and in every 
weather, be the birds sitting or be they flying. It is often 
said to be heard most frequently in still frosty weather ; another 
error which any one may disprove who cares to venture near 
them at all times. The mistake, however, is a natural one ; 
even a very slight breeze completely drowns their voices, and 
when after a long succession of gales a calm day appears, and 
the cry is once more heard from the shore, it is by no means 
