182 BIRD LIFE ON ISLAND AND SHORE 
cubating birds is usually a brief cursory inspection. 
If that is borne with philosophic endurance, an 
advance gradually accomplished diminishes the 
distance between observer and observed, until 
sometimes the twain are separated only by a few 
yards, a few feet, even a few inches. Species will 
endure the presence of man according to their 
varying natures, some from intrepidity, as the 
Caspian Tern and the Falcon, whose fury con- 
sumes their fear; some from use and wont, like 
the Pukeko; some from dull brainedness, like 
the Penguin; some from the moral support of 
numbers, like the Shag or Tern; some from 
absorption in work, like the Warbler and Waxeye ; 
and some, like the Tit and Robin, from trustfulness. 
Sea Hawks belonged to the first category ; because 
of their fierce nature they soon learnt to endure 
our presence, 
About the spot chosen by the particular birds 
watched most closely was a small clearing on the 
cliff. Morticed into chinks of its grey granite 
grass grew short and sparse. On a sward so small 
that it might have been entirely covered by half 
a dozen handkerchiefs was placed the nest, a mere 
pressure in the turf. Upon first discovery of their 
breeding quarters two birds became much agitated, 
wheeling along the cliff edge and swooping over- 
head. A third bird continued to sit, and only 
at length left the nest less, I think, from fear than 
