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them of that colour. After all that has been written upon the 
subject, it is almost needless to remark that to obtain the eggs 
for one’s self requires a good head as well as some little experi- 
ence in climbing, but I would here most strongly protest 
against the dangerous plan of using spirits “ to steady the 
nerves.” AATien the climbing is over, by all means allow the 
adventurer to sit down by the nearest burn, enjoy his biscuits 
or his sandwiches, and empty his flask, if it suit his inclination ; 
but when among the Guillemots, with the sun beating down 
upon him, and in the midst of a stench almost unbearable, and 
perhajDS with the monotonous swell of the sea below causing a 
third rather uncomfortable sensation, a slight feeling of giddi- 
ness is not unusual ; and if the descent have been prefaced by 
even a very moderate dram, the result may prove very alarm- 
ing, if not fatal. Young beginners in the art of smoking may 
also bear in mind that I have seen one such beginner so 
completely narcotised as to have suggested the thought of leav- 
ing him in a secure place while men were sent for to haul him 
up the cliff with ropes. The folk who write about fowling can 
seldom resist a little platitudinising as to “but a moment’s 
giddiness — but one false step” — which would precipitate the 
adventurer headlong into the boiling depths below, &c., &c.; 
but if they would vary the tune a little, and say — “ But one 
small dram — but one single pipe of cavendish,” — they might 
do some good. 
The Shetlanders entertain a strong prejudice against the use 
of a rope in their fowling expeditions, probably imagining 
that to avail themselves of such an aid would cause reflections 
upon their skill. Indeed, in the days when fowling was 
extensively practised, numerous strange ideas and superstitions 
were prevalent. ISTot many years ago, to die on the banks, as 
the cliffs are termed, was looked upon as the most honourable 
death a man could meet with ; and I am assured that even 
lately, in the far removed islands of Foula and Papa Stour, 
wlien two people were quarrelling, the crowning reproach of 
all sometimes took the form of the remark — “Aye, but ray 
