on Lundy, where it probably breeds, and the same remark very possibly may be applied to the Storm Petrel (Procellaria pelagica). These two species often escape notice owing to their nocturnal habits, but the weird cries of the former are said to be often heard by the islanders during the night.
Mr. Heaven told me of a tradition which still exists on the island relating to the former occurrence of a bird which, if not simply mythical, could be none other than the Great Auk. The story is, I think, worth repeating, but must, however, as Mr. Heaven impressed upon me, be taken for what it is worth. As far as I can remember it runs as follows:—About the year 1839 one of the men on the island brought in a large egg (which was kept by Mr. Heaven's family for some time until unfortunately broken), which he declared belonged to a "King Murr" (on Lundy Guillemots and Razorbills are both known as "Murrs"). The "King Murrs," the man said, were birds like "Razorbilled Murrs," only much larger; he did not think they could fly, as they were only seen near the water, into which they scrambled from the rocks when disturbed. There were only one or two pairs ever seen, but they had long been known on the island. A fuller account of this same story is, I believe, to be found in 'The Zoologist' for 1866,[1] though I have not the means of looking up the exact reference. The story is interesting, though it cannot be said to prove that the Great Auk was ever an inhabitant of Lundy.
I would advise anyone interested in birds, who may chance to visit Lundy by excursion steamer, to spend the two or three hours allowed on land in exploring the coast-line of the northern half of the island. It will have to be done hurriedly in the limited time at the tourist's disposal, as it takes about an hour to walk from the landing-place to the North Lighthouse. If time does not allow a visit to all the cliffs on the north-west side, where the Guillemots and Kittiwakes chiefly congregate, the visitor would do well to follow the rough track on the top of the island to the north end, where he may see the large colony of Puffins and Razorbills, which to the bird-lover is perhaps the most interesting sight which can be obtained on this picturesque island.
- ↑ At page 100, written by the Rev. Murray A. Mathew.—Ed.
