404 THE GULL. 



down they pounce, pierce an egg with their sharp beak, and 

 fly off with it in a trice. 



A curious circumstance fell under the observation of the 

 light-keeper. A pair of these Crows had, for some years, fre- 

 quented the same spot, when, in one season, the female was 

 shot, and the male almost immediately disappeared, remaining 

 absent for the space of three or four days, when he returned 

 with another partner, and the business of nidification was 

 carried on as before. 



The Gulls, at the breeding season so numerous on the 

 island and adjacent coast, disperse themselves for the rest of 

 the year ; and are never seen congregated in great numbers, 

 except when attracted by shoals of herrings, or some similar 

 cause ; but it is positively asserted by the light-keepers as a 

 very extraordinary fact, that they all instinctively return to the 

 South Stack during the same night, on or about the 10th of 

 February ; and retire, with the exception of those that, having 

 been robbed on the main, had resorted to the island to renew 

 the labours of incubation, about the night of the 12th of 

 August. The keepers state, that in the middle of the former 

 night, they are warned of their arrival by a great noise, as it 

 were a mutual greeting and cheering ; adding that they look 

 to their return as that of so many old acquaintances, after a 

 long absence, announcing the Winter to be over, and Spring 

 approaching. For a time they appear to congregate together 

 without any order whatever ; but in the course of a month 

 begin to pair, and getting their nests in readiness, proceed to 

 lay their eggs. As if confident of protection, they become 

 quite familiar ; at least this is the case with the Larus 

 canus, or common Gull. 



In one part, a point of rock projects considerably ; its 

 extremity commanding a full view of the various ledges, as 

 well as declivities, on which the Gulls have established them- 

 selves ; and there have we sat, and could have remained for 

 hours, watching these sea-birds, and listening to their wild 

 cry, mingling with the hoarse roar of the waves lashing the 

 rocks below. When resting there, some would fly so near, 

 that the fanning of their wings could almost be felt, while 



