Descending cliffs with ropes is an art which naturalists and others have occasion to practise.  It has been reduced to a system by the inhabitants of some rocky coasts in the Northern seas, where innumerable sea-birds go for the breeding season, and whose ledges and crevices are crammed with nests full of large eggs, about the end of May and the beginning of June.  They are no despicable prize to a hungry native.  I am indebted to a most devoted rock-climber, the late Mr. Woolley, for the following facts.  It appears that the whole population are rock-climbers, in the following places:—­St. Kilda, in the Hebrides; Foula Island, in Shetland; the Faroe Islands generally; and in the Westmarver Islands off Iceland.  Flamborough Head used to be a famous place for this accomplishment, but the birds have become far less numerous; they have been destroyed very wantonly with shot.

In descending a cliff, two ropes are used; one a supply well-made, many-stranded, inch rope (see “Ropes"), to which the climber is attached, and by which he is let down; the other is a much thinner cord, left to dangle over the cliff, and made fast to some stone or stake above.  The use of the second rope is for the climber to haul upon, when he wishes to be pulled up.  By resting a large part of his weight upon it, he makes the task of pulling him up much more easy.  He can also convey signals by jerking it.  A usual rock-climbing arrangement is shown in the sketch.  One man with a post behind him, as in fig. 1, or two men, as in fig. 2 are entrusted with the letting down of a comrade to the depth of 100 or even 150 feet.  They pass the rope either under their thighs or along their sides, as shown in the figures.  The climber is attached to the rope, as shown in fig. 2.  The band on which he sits is of worsted.  A beginner ought to be attached far more securely to the rope.

[Fig 1 and Fig 2 appear on p 45].

(I have tried several plans, and find that which is shown in Fig. 1 to be thoroughly comfortable and secure.  A stick forms the seat’ at either end of it is a short stirrup; garters secure the stirrup leathers to the knees; there is a belt under the arms.)

It is convenient, but not necessary, to have a well-greased leather sheath, a tube of eighteen inches in length, through which the rope runs, as shown in both figures.  It lies over the edges of the cliff, and the friction of the rock keeps it steadily in its place.

It is nervous work going over the edge of a cliff for the first time; however, the sensation does not include giddiness.  Once in the air, and when confidence is acquired, the occupation is very exhilarating.  The power of locomotion is marvellous:  a slight push with the foot, or a thrust with a stick, will swing the climber twenty feet to a side.  Few rocks are so precipitous but that a climber can generally make some use of his hands and feet; enough to cling to the rock when he wishes, and to clamber about its