208 THE GULL. 



pies made some interesting observations on these 

 birds during a tempestuous season. He re- 

 marked that the gulls, which from time to time 

 dropped on the sea, were too light to sink be- 

 neath the surface, and were tossed about like 

 mere balls of feather. For a few moments they 

 seemed swallowed up, but presently they were 

 seen again on the summit of the billow, safe as 

 the foam which crested it. From this unstable 

 bed they sprung into the air without difficulty, 

 notwithstanding the length of their wings. From 

 this circumstance it has been thought that gulls, 

 and other birds similarly constituted, when wea- 

 ried with long-continued flight over the ocean, 

 repose themselves on the bosom of the waters, 

 and when rested, spring again into the air and 

 pursue their course. 



The herring-gull, the bird figured above, is so 

 named from its following and preying on the 

 shoals of herrings. It makes its nest on the 

 projecting ledges of rock. Its eggs, three in 

 number, are of a dull white, spotted with black. 

 This species is remarkable for its watchful ha- 

 bits : it is said, indeed, to serve as a sort of sen- 

 tinel to all the birds, and even the seals within 

 reach of its signal. The moment a sportsman 

 is seen with his gun, it is on the alert, and gives 

 warning of the danger by its loud and clamorous 

 cries. 



