138 STRA Y FEA THERS FROM MANY BIRDS. 



fury. The Gulls revel in the strife of the elements, and 

 fail not to give a timely warning to the mariner, 

 especially when landmarks and light-houses are hidden 

 by fog or haze. The cries of the Sea Gulls have saved 

 many a fine ship and her brave crew from wreck ; and 

 the sailor in his heart blesses the welcome birds, and 

 would not harm or molest them. 



Pray, gentle lady reader, let not the Sea Gull's dumb 

 appeal for life be passed unheeded. With you rests the 

 power of granting him immunity from harm ; for, once 

 the fashion of wearing his plumage is suffered to die 

 out, the professional Sea Gull shooter will be heard of 

 no more. Spare this charming sea bird, the ornament 

 of the summer sea, the pilot of the fisher, and the 

 warning guide of the lost and peril-surrounded mariner. 

 If birds and feathers must form part of your toilet, let 

 them be confined to those of birds that live in other 

 lands, or of species whose lives need not be wholly 

 sacrificed on Fashion's changeful altar. Game Birds, 

 poultry, and Pigeons can supply almost every variety of 

 form and shade of colour the most fastidious may 

 demand. Nothing would please us more than to hear 

 of some influential dame proclaiming that the Sea Gulls 

 shall be spared. No longer then will our eyes be 

 tormented and our hearts be saddened by the mutilation 

 and barbarous treatment which our favourites receive 

 from the hands of the modern milliner. Every hat 



