xxxvi NATURAL HISTORY. 



Inhabits all parts of the Arctic Regions, and has been met with in the highest 

 latitudes yet attained by man. It is extremely numerous during the summer season 

 along the west coast of Prince Regent's Inlet ; where, in several places that are pecu- 

 liarly well fitted for breeding stations, they congregate in inconceivable numbers. 



We killed enough to supply our party with several excellent meals, and found them 

 delicious food, perfectly free from any unpleasant flavour. 



26.— LARUS ROSSI I {Cuneate-tailed Gull). 



LARUS ROSSII.— ffic/i ; Faun. Bor. Amer.—vo\. ii., p. 427. 

 Rich : App. to Parry's 2d Voyage — p. 359. 

 Ross, App. to Parry's Polar Voyage — p. 195. 

 IVdson's Illust. Zool. — vol. i., pi. 8. 

 LARUS ROSEUS.— Jardme and Selby, Orn. llbist.—p. 1, pi. 14. 



Was discovered near Igloolik in June, 1 823, where only two specimens were ob- 

 tained, although many others were seen : it has since been found abundantly on the 

 east side of Spitzbergen, and several pairs were observed by Sir Edward Parry's party 

 beyond the 82° of latitude.* It is noticed here as occasionally visiting Boothia, on 

 the authority of Mr. Abernethy, who reported to me that he had seen one fly over the 

 ship in Felix Harbour. He had accompanied Sir Edward Parry on his Polar 

 Journey, during which it was frequently seen ; and, although unsuccessfully, eagerly 

 pursued as an object of more than ordinary interest, from the circumstance of only 

 two specimens of it having reached England : he is therefore not very likely to have 

 been mistaken. 



Dr. Richardson has accurately described its plumage ; but the measures having been 

 taken from the dried skin, differ triflingly from those taken by me of the recent 

 specimens, ut infra: 



Extreme length from the tip of the beak to the end of the tail . . 13.6 inches 



to the angle of the mouth . . 1.3 

 Length of the tarsus ... ...... 1.2 



middle toe and nail . . . . . . . .1.2 



Extent of wing, 30 inches. Weight, 6 ounces. 



• See Parity's Narrative of his Polar Journey, p. 81. 



