1U2 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 



practical observation proved the wagel (Larus naevius) to be the Larus marinus in 

 its first plumage, the gray gull (La Mouette grise) of Brisson to be the lesser black- 

 backed gull in young plumage, the winter gull to be Larus canus in its seasonal 

 change, and the tarrock (Larus tridactylus) to be the immature kittiwake (Larus 

 rissa;. It is also to be recollected that there is no infallibility in classifying species, 

 as we find authorities as grave as Brisson and Storr agree upon the claims of Larus 

 naevius to be a distinct species from the adult bird. One claim advanced for Larus 

 Bonapartii being a distinct species appears to be its diminutive size, length of wings 

 in exceeding the tail some two inches, and the peculiar colour of the tarsi. If such 

 be the case, the specimen now before you is a just candidate for the honour, as this 

 veritable black-headed gull possesses, in an eminent degree, the necessary qualifica- 

 tions, so much so, that the wings give it the peculiar tern shape, and actually exceed 

 the tail by three inches and a half. A bird, in the first year's plumage, also before 

 you, you will find to be much larger in size and to possess more of the acknowledged 

 character of ridibundus. It might be supposed that the increase of age might have 

 a corresponding increase of size ; but, as your honorary secretary justly observed, in 

 his paper, that " the examinations of numerous specimens of ridibundus have shown 

 such differences in their relative proportions and size that it would seem much de- 

 pendence could not be placed on measurements." If a standard is to be erected, and 

 all birds adjudged specific distinction on account of a difference in size, it is impos- 

 sible to say how many more species may be discovered in our fauna. The colour- 

 ing of the wing-feathers is also laid down as a characteristic of Larus Bonapartii ; 

 but in the specimens of ridibundus now before you, you will find all of them without 

 difficulty. I have not seen the specimen of Bonaparte's gull in the Belfast 

 Museum, but this much, I hope to make the present specimen of ridibundus 

 coincide in every particular with the description taken by the late lamented Mr. 

 Thompson. 



Mr. Watters then read the description given by Mr. Thompson, in "The Birds 

 of Ireland," of Larus Bonapartii, and which agreed in all its markings, proportions, 

 and distinctions (which have been so fully given by that author), "with the spe- 

 cimens of Larus ridibundus, submitted by Mr. Watters, and which he had verified 

 to be a bird obtained from among that species of gull on this coast, and with which 

 species, with the exception of its smaller proportions, it was identical in every 

 respect. Mr. Watters also compared his bird with the accurate drawing made by 

 Mr. DuNoyer of the bird shot by Captain Watkins, and read from the report of 

 the last proceedings the distinctive characters drawn by Mr. Andrews, the details 

 of which were of precisely similar features to Mr. Watters 's specimen. Respecting 

 Larus capistratus, I believe that there is no adult black-headed gull but, before attain- 

 ing the complete hood, was a perfect specimen of capistratus. Were it not that on 

 many occasions I have examined these birds in their seasonal changes, I would feel 

 much more diffident in advancing my views ; but, as it is, I believe you will be in- 

 clined to admit the great probability of the Larus Bonapartii, described by Mr. 

 Thompson, agreeing, in every particular, with a variety of ridibundus, and the late 

 specimen exhibited at your last meeting, and shot by Captain Watkins, to have 

 been nothing more than a variety of the same species. If a further proof were re- 

 quired, I place before you the eggs of the Larus ridibundus and argentatus, and 

 you will, in both instances, perceive the disparity of size of the same species ; and, 

 as we might reasonably suppose, the bird produced from the small eggs would not 

 have equalled in size those produced from the larger. 



The Chairman said that the examination of the species appeared to have been 

 very carefully investigated, and he was glad that Mr. Watters brought forward the 

 information he possessed of the subject, and which his practical observations and 

 excellent collection enabled him to do with some degree of confidence. He would 

 be glad to hear the opinions of any of the members. 



Mr. Andrews observed that when he expressed his views at the last meeting, he 

 was not at the time aware that any discussion on the subject had taken place else- 

 where. He saw no reason, however, to change the opinions he had given. The 

 markings and size of Mr. Watters's specimen were identical with the one shot by 

 Captain Watkins, and one character, in particular, was identical the size of the 

 tarsi. Other characters were still more striking in Mr. Watters's bird the more 



