WIDE-AWAKE FAIR. 
175 
from two to four hundred weight, and the ponds are 
generally kept well stocked. It is not a little sin- 
gular, that from the time of their leaving the island 
in the young state, — about the size of a dollar or 
rather larger, — they are never found there in any 
intermediate stage. 
Ascension may be called the “ home of the sea-birds,” 
many varieties of which frequent it at all times, and 
in the breeding seasons occupy their respective fairs, as 
they are termed by the marines ; thus the little colony of 
hack-backed sterns [Sterna fuliginosa) is called “ wide- 
awake fair;” and the more important one of the gannet 
goose [Pelicanus bassanus), “gannet fair.” This inte- 
resting locality is about three miles from tlie town, 
on the gradual slope of a hill, where the birds have 
made innumerable terraces, along which they lay their 
eggs, two in number, merely scooping out sufficient of 
the sandy scoria to prevent their rolling away. 
From the multitudes which collect here, and from 
their white plumage, the place becomes visible at a dis- 
tance. Nothing can he to all appearance more stupid 
than these gannets. They never attempt to escape, 
but sit on the eggs or young until fairly lifted off. 
A regular series of magnetical observations was 
commenced by Captain W. Allen, assisted by Messrs. 
Sydney and Forster, with the horizontal force and 
declination needles of a transportable magnetometer, 
newly invented by M. Weber of Gottingen, which had 
just been completed in time for the sailing of the 
