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has been observed as far north as Nova Zembla. 
It was first introduced to notice as a British species 
in 1809, a specimen having been obtained in im- 
mature plumage in Shetland, since which time 
other examples have been met with in the Hebrides 
and the Frith of Forth. It has also been ob- 
served on various parts of the coasts of England ; 
but has not been found breeding with us. The eggs 
are of a broad oval form, and of a pale yellowish 
grey colour, dotted with dark brown and blotched 
with purplish grey spots. 
GULL, GREAT BLACK-HEADED. 
Larus Marinus, Lin. 
This species is generally dispersed along our 
coasts, as well as those of the Continent and of 
North America. It is vigilant, shy, and suspicious 
in disposition. It has a strong sedate flight, and 
often soars and sails in the air like the Eagle. It 
also swims with ease, and floats very buoyantly. 
It emits various cries, some loud and clear, others 
like the sounds of laughter. On the coasts of 
England it has few breeding places, but on the 
islets of the north and west of Holland great 
numbers annually settle. The nest is generally 
made in a cavity in the turf, or in a crevice of 
the rock, and is composed of various dry plants. 
The eggs, two or three in number, are three inches 
