IV 



GULLS AND DIVERS 



TUST over the sand-dunes, the terns are fishing. 

 ^ Their motions, while thus engaged, are well 

 worth watching, and comparing with those of the 

 osprey. We have only another ocean-diver from 

 a height, and his diving is not of the same kind, 

 nor performed so near the shore that every one 

 may see. 



Common, and Arctic terns are engaged in about 

 equal numbers. They seem to mark out a certain 

 distance, or beat, just beyond where the ripples 

 of a quiet sea are breaking on the sand ; and to 

 pass over it again and again, presumably, as long 

 as it will yield anything. They fish against the 

 wind, even when there is so little as to-day ; 

 returning by a swift flight to the starting-point. 



Their whole aspect is keen and intent to the 



last degree. Suddenly they pause, spread out 



63 



