THE BOOK OF MIGRATORY BIRDS 169 



itself," says Mr. St. John, "such as the remains of a 

 large fish, or dead bird, it is soon discovered by one of 

 the large gulls, who is not, however, allowed to enjoy his 

 prize alone, for every one of his fellows within sight joins 

 in tearing it to pieces. When I have winged a duck, and 

 it has escaped and gone out to sea, I have frequently seen 

 it attacked, and devoured almost alive by these birds." 



Stations occur here and there on the coast of England 

 in which the Great Black-backed Gull builds. It some- 

 times resorts to a marsh at the breeding season, but 

 retains its habit of driving away all intruders. Its eggs 

 are prized as dainties, being thought to resemble plover's 

 eggs. The writer has on several occasions enjoyed the 

 few presented to him by the keepers on Fame Islands, 

 for here they incubate freely. V 



The finest specimen of this species was brought to me 

 during the past winter. When outstretched, its wings 

 measured seventy-two inches. 



