Zoological Explorations. 251 



ever, that it may be directive^ not, however, in the usual sense 

 of that word. Tiiese birds are constantly patrolling the water, 

 as it were, in search of fish. The fish, when found at all, are 

 usually in schools or shoals, being sufficient in numbers to 

 feed many gulls. When a gull finds good fishing, it dives, 

 exposing the pure white of the breast and under surface of 

 the wings, which flash a signal afar to other gulls. All collec- 

 tors know how soon a large number of these birds will gather 

 when one of them has found good fishing. Thus we can see 

 a possible utility to the species in the possession of the white 

 under parts, this utility being, at the same time, no disadvant- 

 age to the individual who unconsciously gives the signal. 

 Breeds within the Arctic Circle. (MacFarlane.) 

 Six specimens secured; 2 c ads., i $ ad., \ juv. and 2 in the 

 down. 



Larus delawarsxsis Ord. Ring-hilled Gull. Common 

 around the large bodies of water, such as Lake Winnipeg and 

 Cedar Lake. They do not, however, seem to frequent the 

 marshes and rivers to any great extent. We did not see any, 

 so far as I remember, around Chemawavvin, nor did we dis- 

 cover any breeding places of this gull; but from the great 

 numbers seen near "Dog Head," at the narrowest part of 

 Lake Winnipeg, I should judge that breeding grounds were 

 not far distant. 



Mr. Arthur Smith, one of m}- companions, came near losing 

 his life in his eagerness to secure a wounded bird of that spe- 

 cies. The gull dropped into the water near the shore, and 

 commenced swimming awa}', and Mr. Smith jumped in after 

 it, with all his clothes and a belt with forty loaded cartridges. 

 This load proved too much to swim with, and my impetuous 

 friend came near not gettinjj out of the ice cold water of Lake 



O CD 



Winnipeg. 



Four specimens secured; i ^, i ?, 2 jav. 



Larus Philadelphia Ord. Bonafartc' s Gull. Rather 

 common on the lake shore, near Grand Rapids. Immense 



