THE GULL. 429 



blood was to be seen, neither was a feather rufflecL 

 After having, therefore, handled it for several minutes, 

 without its evincing the slightest symptoms of vitality, 

 beyond the opening and shutting of its eyes, we threw 



The Black-tacked Gull. 



it into the air, when, to our inconceivable surprise, the 

 apparently dead bird expanded its wings, and, tucking 

 up its legs, flew off with the utmost composure and 

 steadiness. 



Nature has amply provided them with means for their 

 wandering lives. While the Cormorant is pent up in 

 his cavern, and most of the other sea-birds are driven to- 

 their rocks and crags, during heavy gales, it matters as 

 little to the Gull as to the Gannet, that the weather be- 

 fair or foul. Cold has no effect upon him, provided as 

 he is with a thick coat of the softest down : light, too, 

 as he is, he tops and rides over the waves without an 

 effort ; and his wide wings insure him a safe conveyance 

 from every peril, save that of the gun, to which he may 

 be exposed. 



They are a very numerous tribe, differing a good deal 



