114 FAMILIAR WILD BIRDS. 



capable of very considerable extension, as these birds fly 

 many miles whilst in pursuit of their food. This they take 

 in an ingenious manner, almost settling upon the water in 

 order to secure it. 



When resting after a long flight, or under any other 

 circumstances, they will sleep upon the water. Whilst 

 swimming they seem to place ordinary waves and breakers 

 at defiance, and though seemingly unconcerned, manage 

 at such times to ride or fly over them. 



The Common Gull frequents the whole of the coast 

 of the British Isles, and may be found, together with the 

 other Gulls, upon the coast of Cornwall, around Portland 

 Bill, Beachy Head, and the other cliffs of the south coast, 

 off Mersey Island, in Essex, around the east coast to the 

 " Bass " Rock, along the shores of Pentland, and, indeed, 

 more or less throughout the coasts. 



But these Gulls, unlike many of their tribe, will also be 

 found inland. They will even follow the plough, in quest of 

 the worms and grubs turned up by it. They will also follow 

 the course of rivers for many miles. Sometimes a flock of 

 them may be seen in meadows or grass lands after the 

 manner of rooks, the rear ones flying over the rest of the 

 flock as the ground becomes thoroughly searched, until they 

 work from one end of the field to the other. Their beau- 

 tiful grey and white plumage at such times forms a re- 

 markable contrast to the green grass, and is altogether an 

 interesting and beautiful sight. 



These birds are gregarious, living generally in such 

 localities as afford convenient feeding-grounds and nesting- 

 places. These latter, however, are very erratic, as they are 

 sometimes situated in chalk and other cliffs or rocks, and 

 again upon flat marshy grounds. The nest is built chiefly 



