232 Mr. Peabody on the 
The Kirtiwaxe Gur, Larus tridactylus, is com- 
mon along the coast, from New York to Eastport, 
| though never seen in the interior. Audubon found 
itin great abundance on some of the islands in Bos- 
"E EU 
gir 
E 
ton harbor. In the air, its motions are light, bold 
and graceful, sweeping in broad circles at an im- 
mense height in the air, then stooping downwards to 
rest upon the waves. It is so awkward on the 
ground, that it can hardly walk; and it gathers its 
food, even the shell-fish from the sands, while on 
the wing. 
The Common Gurt, Larus zonorhyncus, is quite 
abundant on our coast, but it understands the danger 
of too near approach to man, and keeps, as much 
as possible, out of his reach. It floats gracefully 
in the air, till something attracts its attention, when 
it descends in a spiral curve, and seizing a fish, 
flies off, alights, and swallows it at leisure. When 
satisfied with food, they rest themselves by swim- 
ming in parties on the waves, their white plumage 
contrasting strongly with the deep green of the sea. 
When spring has commenced, the gulls assemble in 
flocks, on flats and beaches, and when paired, fly off 
to their breeding places, which Audubon found in 
great numbers in Labrador, and the eastern part of 
Maine. Part of their food consists of shell-fish, 
which, being unable otherwise to break the shell, 
they are said to carry high into the air, and to let 
fall on the rocks below. 
The Sirvery GuLL, Larus fuscus, is found on 
