136 STRA Y FEA THERS FROM MANY BIRDS. 



built on the ledges in the most inaccessible parts of the 

 cliffs. The particular species of Gull that breeds here 

 is the Kittiwake, one of the most beautiful of the 

 Laridae, and one, alas, that is in special request with 

 the dealer in plumes. What a noisy animated scene 

 the cliffs present ! Fluttering Gulls are passing to and 

 from their nests, which already contain eggs ; Gulls are 

 floating on the waves below the rocks ; Gulls are 

 hovering above the sea tame and confiding all of 

 them, as if fully enjoying that immunity from harm 

 which the Sea Birds Protection Act has ensured for 

 them. But the summer passes quickly by, the young 

 birds are almost ready for flight ; indeed, many of them 

 are now strong on the wing, but others still remain in 

 the nests dependent on their parents for food. July has 

 passed away, and with the first few days of August the 

 protection of the law is withheld from the Sea Gulls, and 

 the time of their wanton slaughter has arrived. This 

 close time should certainly be prolonged for another 

 month, which would allow the birds to rear their young 

 in peace. The fair leaders of fashion decree that Gulls 

 shall be worn ; that means the death-warrant for our 

 feathered friends, and the merciless gunners commence 

 their cruel work. Thousands of Kittiwakes and other 

 Gulls and Terns are shot down ; many of the young 

 birds are made orphans and left to perish from 

 starvation on the cliffs. The poor birds, rendered 



