THE GULL. 401 



or design, any of these birds of prey are seen, the whole 

 assembly attack and compel them to retire. Hence, in some 

 places where they abound, they become the guardians of the 

 young lambs, which the people consider perfectly safe during 

 Summer; and, in return for this protection, the Gull is 

 never molested, being held in no less esteem than the Stork 

 in Holland, or the Ibis in Egypt. The unfortunate birds 

 most exposed to the attacks of these robbers are their 

 brethren, the Herring-Gulls and Kittiwakes, probably be- 

 cause, being the most diligent pursuers of fish, they are sure 

 to find from their exertions a never-failing supply. 



Herrings form the chief provision for the immense flocks 

 of these birds, which, in the season, are always found near 

 the shoals. It has been remarked, that they seem to have 

 an instinctive knowledge of the habits of these fish, and act 

 accordingly. In the Shetland Islands, at a particular time of 

 the tide, the herrings descend from the surface ; and, during 

 the intervals of their absence, the Gulls, as if fishing was out 

 of the question for the time, generally repair inland, and rest 

 among the heaths. As soon, however, as the tide changes, 

 and the herrings again rise, they quit their retreats, and by 

 loud and discordant screams, seem to express to each other 

 their joy at the approaching feast ; and when they take wing, 

 it is a sure sign that the period for fishing is at hand. It is 

 astonishing to see with what precision and regularity the 

 flocks, far removed from the sea, arouse themselves from a 

 state of quiet and repose, and suddenly, full of bustle and 

 activity, betake themselves to the herring-grounds. 



The Gulls hitherto mentioned are, more or less, strangers 

 to this country; or may, at all events, be considered as mere 

 casual frequenters of our coasts, preferring solitudes still more 

 wild and lonely than our own. We have, however, several 

 species which breed and remain with us all the year. They 

 build on several parts of our rocky shores ; and few scenes 

 present more attractions, to an observer of nature, than a view 

 of one of these wild spots in that season. We shall describe 

 one, that we have often visited, and give, at the same time, 



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