THE GULL. 
403 
where, notwithstanding- the hare and perpendicular character 
of the precipices, there was scarcely a spot among the clefts 
and hollows to which the young men and hoys of the neigh- 
bourhood did not find their way, in search of eggs, for which 
they found a ready demand. 
The main body of Gulls at length finding that these 
wonted haunts no longer afforded security, either taught by 
the experience of the above pair, or by their own observation, 
in the Spring of the sixth year took refuge on the island, 
chiefly at the south side, on an inclined plane of rock, where 
they have remained, during the breeding season, ever since ; 
and on this spot, in particular, their artless nests are spread 
in such numbers, that it is difficult, at times, to avoid tread- 
ing upon them.- It is remarkable, however, that only two 
pair of the Black-backed Gulls returned, and these, according to 
their usual habits, not only build apart, hut never herd with 
the rest. Neither have the Kazor-bills and Guillemots re- 
established themselves in the same abundance, or with the 
same apparent confidence, — which may, in some degree, he 
accounted for, by the parts of the rock most suited to their 
habits having been more or less used as landing-places. But 
although these poor birds have, contrary to the general rule, 
found a protector in man, they are not entirely without their 
troubles and annoyances. Certain Crows (the light-keepers 
say, a pair only of one particular species, probably the • red- 
legged, Corvus graculus) come at the same time, and build 
their nest just opposite the Stack, as if for the express pur- 
pose of harassing and stealing their eggs. For no sooner do 
the Gulls begin to lay, than these two Crows are perpetually 
on the look-out, frequently hovering over, and watching for 
an opportunity to carry off a prize. 
The moment the thieves appear, the whole Gull colony is in 
a state of commotion and consternation : those on the nests 
cowering over their new-laid treasures, while the others, by 
their screams and menacing attitudes, do their best to 
frighten and drive the marauders away. But the cunning 
Crows usually gain their point : watching an opportunity, 
d d 2 
