OTHER CREATURES WHICH LIVE IN THE SEA. 113 



The most common sea-birds about San Fran- 

 cisco are the Gulls. They are quite large birds, 

 of a white or gray color, and they have quite long, 

 naked legs and a strong beak. Nobody is allowed 

 to shoot them near the water-front, and in conse- 

 quence they have become quite tame, perching 

 freely upon the sheds around the wharves, and 

 following the ferry-boats between the city and the 

 Oakland mole. 



Very often some passenger will toss them bits 

 of bread as they fly beside or over the boat. In- 

 stantly there is a rush of wings, and the mouth- 

 ful is usually caught by some keen-eyed bird 

 before it has had time to reach the water. Their 

 intelligent looks and graceful motions are much 

 appreciated by the throngs of passengers on the 

 ferry-boats, and the birds seem to understand 

 their advantage. 



Other sea-birds are seen in the bay, too, but 

 none of them are so tame as the gulls. In winter 

 there are many flocks of Ducks, and frequently a 

 Diver is seen thrusting his long, snaky head out 

 of the water, glancing quickly around, and then 

 disappearing in an instant. He seems more like 

 a fish than a bird, for you seldom see him either 

 swimming or flying. 



Sometimes you see the Pelicans, — great birds 



W.S.R. VOL. 8—8 



