TOWN GULLS 77 



and the descent upon the prey is rarely, except 

 in the case of the kittiwake, to be described as 

 a swoop. The kittiwake plunges, but never dis- 

 appears. Thus if food thrown to gulls does not 

 float they lose it unless it is caught in the air or 

 just as it touches the water. But perhaps in the 

 prevalent error there is nothing strange at all. 

 Few are accurate observers. Five people out of 

 six are " floored " with the question, " .Which are 

 in front, the horns or ears of a cow? " 



