246 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF 



Eiders, though the two birds mix to some extent. The nests were large and 

 bulky, composed of dried grass, moss and lichens scraped into a heap, the 

 cavity formed apparently by the weight of the bird. The eggs, in every in- 

 stance that came under my observation, were three, but varied surprisingly in 

 size, color and markings, and also considerably in shape. Tbey average rather 

 more than two inches and three-quarters in length, by nearly two in greatest 

 diameter, being thus rounded and obtuse. The ground color varies from a 

 light bluish or greenish white to deep brownish olive; and the spots are of 

 every size and shape, very irregularly disposed. I found eggs at that date in 

 every stage of development, some being quite fresh, but in the majority the 

 embryos were nearly fully formed. On the same day many young were pro- 

 cured, being caught as they skulked and hid beneath stones, or scrambled off 

 over the luxuriant moss. In no instance did I observe any on the nests. At 

 this period they presented a very curious appearance ; they were ugly and mis- 

 shapen, covered with thick whitish down, every where mottled with angular 

 spots of dusky, and, on the whole, looked more like lumps of dirty carded wool 

 than any thing else. When taken in hand they bit and scratched with all their 

 strength, at the same time squealing loudly. Although these cries brought the 

 parents a little nearer, none ventured within shot. On being placed on the 

 water they swam with ease, and appeared to be perfectly at home. Soon after 

 being caught they fed freely on fish and scraps of pork, and uttered constantly 

 a whining noise. The first night, however, they were all trampled to dearh by 

 some Black-backed Gulls placed in the same basket. 



At Henley Harbor, during the latter part of August, many birds of the year were 

 seen. They were at this time readily distinguishable from the adults, for besides 

 being smaller, they were entirely of a deep dusky color, darkest below, and with 

 the bills nearly black. One of these, slightly wing-tipped, showed considera- 

 ble spirit, biting the finger placed incautiously within its reach, and ejecting 

 the contents of its stomach principally lance with remarkably accurate and 

 vindictive aim. The lance seems to be the favorite and principal food with 

 this and other Gulls, and many were always to be seen fishing for them at the 

 mouth of the harbor. To procure them they hover at a height of a few yards 

 over the surface and drop suddenly down when a fish is discovered ; never, I 

 believe, diving, though they are often partially immersed. They rise again 

 immediately, and the operation is repeated indefinitely, their hunger never 

 seeming to be appeased. I have seen more than a hundred of these Gulls and 

 the great Black-backed and the Ring-billed fishing together, but never noticed 

 the slightest sdgn of any quarrelling or difficulty between them. 



The Herring Gull requires three years to arrive at full maturity. During the 

 greater part of the first year they are much as described above. The dusky 

 gradually grows lighter, and by the second year the bird is white, mottled with 

 dusky about the head and neck ; the tail mostly black, the primaries black, as 

 yet without spots, and the " gull-blue " replacing the grey mottling of the 

 wings and back in irregular patches ; the bill light flesh color, with a broad 

 black band near the end. By the next winter the bird is perfect, except some 

 slight mottling about the head and neck, and the following spring is in full 

 plumage. I am enabled to give the above descriptions from specimens sent me 

 from near Hampton, N. H., by Mr. Charles Perkins, shot about the first of De- 

 cember. They must moult very late, as some of these specimens had the quills 

 only partially grown out. I am unable to say whether any breed in the imma- 

 ture plumage. 



The abundance of this gull every where during its extensive migrations, 

 cause its voice, flight and general manners to be so well known, that a detailed 

 account of them is rendered unnecessary. 



Larus Delawahensis Ord. Ring-billed Gull. 



Larus zonorhynchus, Aud., Birds Amer. vii. 152 ; pi. 446. 

 Larus Delawarensis, Lawrence, Gen. Rep. 846. 

 Three specimens of this small Gull were obtained at Henley Harbor on the 



[Aug. 



