THE GULL. 431 



become the guardians of the young lambs, which the 

 people consider perfectly safe during Summer ; and, in 

 return for this protection, the Gull is never molested, 

 being held in no less esteem than the Stork in Holland, 

 or the Ibis in Egypt. The unfortunate birds most ex- 

 posed to the attacks of these robbers are their brethren, 

 the Herring-Gulls and Kittiwakes, probably because, 

 being the most diligent pursuers of fish, they are sure to 

 find from their exertions a never-failing supply. 



Herrings form the chief provision for the immense 

 flocks of these birds, which, in the season, are always 

 found near the shoals. It has been remarked, that they 

 seem to have an instinctive knowledge of the habits of 

 these fish, and act accordingly. In the Shetland Islands, 

 at a particular time of tide, the herrings descend from 

 the surface ; and, during the intervals of their absence, 

 the Gulls, as if fishing was out of the question for the 

 time, generally repair inland, and rest among the heaths. 

 As soon, however, as the tide changes, and the herrings 

 again rise, they quit their retreats, and by loud and dis- 

 cordant screams, seem to express to each other their joy 

 at the approaching feast ; and when they take wing, it is 

 a sure sign that the period for fishing is at hand. It is 

 astonishing to see with what precision and regularity the 

 flocks, far removed from the sea, arouse themselves 

 from a state of quiet and repose, and suddenly, full of 

 bustle and activity, betake themselves to the herring- 

 grounds. 



The Gulls hitherto mentioned are, more or less, stran- 

 gers to this country ; or may, at all events, be considered 

 as mere casual frequenters of our coasts, preferring soli- 

 tudes still more wild and lonely than our own. We 

 have, however, several species which breed and remain 

 with us all the year. They build on several parts of our 

 rocky shores ; and few scenes present more attractions, 

 to an observer of nature, than a view of one of these wild 

 spots in that season. We shall describe one, that we 

 have often visited, and give, at the same time, some par- 



