THE GULL. 233 



sure to find from their exertions a never-failing 

 supply. 



Herrings form the chief provision for the im- 

 mense flocks of these birds, which in the season 

 are always found near the shoals. It has heen 

 remarked that they seem to have an instinctive 

 knowledge of the habits of these fish, and act ac- 

 cordingly. In the Shetland Islands, at a particular 

 time of 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, rouse themselves from 

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

 bustle and activity, betake themselves to the her- 

 ring-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 owh. 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 sea- 

 son. We shall describe one, that we have often 



