206 



THE GULL. 



numerous birds of this tribe, which hover over 

 the rocks, burst screaming from the crags, or 

 ride, with a composure truly wonderful, on the 

 foaming wave. We remember to have heard 

 that some English family bears the gull for its 

 crest, with the motto, " Composed in the midst 

 of storms." Such a device must rank as one of 

 the most tasteful of heraldic decorations. The 

 notes of the gull are anything but musical; yet 

 they mingle well with wind and wave, and har- 

 monize with the scenes in the midst of which 

 these birds are found. Though devoid of the 

 charms of song, they have abundant attractions 

 for the wanderer who watches their movements, 

 and listens to their wild cries in their favourite 

 haunts. How beautiful are they, when seen 

 wheeling their flight over the base of the steep 

 cliffs at sunset, reflecting the golden light on 

 their white wings and breasts, till they look like 

 the dove of the sacred bard, " whose wings are 

 of silver, and her feathers of wrought gold!" 

 And what can be so expressive of reposing con- 

 fidence and self-possession amidst change and 

 turbulence, as the quiet floating of this pleasant 

 bird on the swell of the billow, as it rolls onward 

 to break in foam upon the rocks, leaving the 

 little swimmer undisturbed on its restless resting- 

 place ? 



