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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. 



LAEUS MAEINUS, 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 inchas 



