Page:The Zoologist, 3rd series, vol 2 (1878).djvu/404

380 same vessel the Clios eagerly devoured the Limacina. I noticed, on Proven Island, that a perpendicular exposed surface of gneiss rock was studded with globular cavities, varying in size from an apple to circular holes one or two feet in diameter: if ever they had contained any substance it must have been of a softer consistency than the matrix, as the perforations opening into these holes did not equal the largest diameter of the cavities.

Leaving Proven on July 21st we sailed for Upernivik. The coast-line between these two points is magnificently grand ; cliffs of 1000 to 1200 feet rising sheer from the water's edge, — a gorgeous colouring of rock and crag, backed by the inland snow, with glaciers showing from the inlets, — formed a scene of indescribable beauty. Early on the following morning we were abreast of Sanderson's Hope, the western lace of the Island of Karsorsuak, which rears its mist-capped summit some 3500 feet above the level of the sea. The cliffs of Sanderson's Hope appear at a little distance to be perfectly smooth faces of rock, over 1000 feet in height; but on a nearer approach ledges can be traced across its front, on which were innumerable sea-fowl — these were the Alca brunnichi, or loom; and Sanderson's Hope is one of the most noted breeding places of this species on the coast of Greenland. Being desirous of obtaining a supply of birds the boats were put out, and a numerous party of eager gunners proceeded to the "loomery." There was a considerable swell on, which made it difficult to take correct aim ; and after an hour's gunning only one hundred and twenty-two Guillemots rewarded our united exertions. Amongst the dead birds I did not find a single A. torda; nor did I recognise one of that species amongst the thousands upon thousands that flew above my head. The most northern range of the Razorbill, as far as I am aware, is Ritenbeuk, where we found it, as already mentioned, breeding in considerable numbers. When we fired at the birds huddled together on the ledges, dozens of eggs were knocked into the sea as the owners took wing: these eggs contained young ready to hatch. Several pairs of Glaucous Gulls that were breeding high up on the cliffs remained on their nests calmly gazing on the havoc below, their mates every now and again swooping on the deserted ledges and earning off an egg. With considerable trouble Captain Markham managed to land me on the cliffs, and bootless and coatless I crawled to some of the ledges of red