464 LARID.E. 



had doubts wliether it differed specifically from the Great 

 Black-backed Gull, notwithstanding it was so much smaller 

 in size. The names are here given on the line referring to 

 Pennant''s work, to obtain uniformity in appearance. JNIon- 

 tagu afterwards supplied the true distinguishing characters, 

 but included a name and synonyms which belong to two 

 other species. The Great Black-backed Gull is on our south- 

 eastern coast a much more rare species than the [jesser Black- 

 backed Gull, and is in these same districts decidedly a marsh 

 breeder ; while the Lesser Black-backed Gull here as con- 

 stantly resorts to the rocks and cliffs, associating and breeding 

 in company with the Herring Gull, both being found almost 

 always inhabiting the same localities. 



Small surface-swimming fishes, upon which these birds pre- 

 cipitate themselves from the air, and animal substances float- 

 ing, or brought to shore by the tide, form their most usual 

 food, but both old and young are seen occasionally to go 

 inland from the coast, to search moist pastures, or recently- 

 ploughed fields, for worms, insects, and their grubs. A bird 

 of this species, kept in confinement, is thus spoken of by the 

 owner. " He has the full range of a large garden, his escape 

 being only prevented by having his wing cut ; but he con- 

 stantly prefers the neighbourhood of a large network cage, 

 the residence of a pair of silver pheasants ; not very congenial 

 companions, one would suppose, for a roamer of the ocean. 

 But such is the fondness of almost all animated beings for 

 society of some kind or other, that, when that of their own 

 species is out of reach, they will often attach themselves to 

 creatures of a very different character. Near his gallinaceous 

 friends our Gull always sleeps, seldom straying to any con- 

 siderable distance ; though he seems to enjoy, at times, using 

 his wings to the utmost of his ability ; half flying, half run- 

 ning, in all directions, apparently for mere amusement. He 

 is, however, very tame, and will, when hungry, follow any of 



