116 FAMILIAR WILD BIRDS. 



and they will even feed upon grain, some that were kept 

 with clipped wings having been induced to feed mainly 

 upon it. When upon the marshy inland districts,, however, 

 worms and slugs are their most general food. 



Their flight, though strong and capable of being sus- 

 tained for an immense distance, is dull and heavy, except 

 when they swoop down upon some object of food upon the 

 water; their wings, however, are exceptionally long, in 

 comparison to the size of their bodies. 



If kept with clipped wings and allowed the freedom of 

 the lawn and garden, a Gull is a " thing of beauty" which 

 would always be attractive, and being so easily fed will 

 not occasion any trouble ; besides which, they will also 

 become very tame. 



