30S GREAT BLACK BACKED GULL. 



nearest projecting ledge, beneath which they squat. When five or six 

 weeks old, they take to the water, to ensure their escape, and swim with 

 great buoyancy. If caught, they cry in the manner of their parents. On 

 the 18th of June, several small ones were procured and placed on the 

 deck of the Ripley, where they walked with ease and picked up the food 

 thrown to them. As soon as one was about to swallow its portion, ano- 

 ther would run up, seize it, tug at it, and if stronger, carry it off and de- 

 vour it. On the 23d of that month, two individuals, several weeks oldy 

 and partly fledged, were also brought on board. Their notes, although 

 feeble, perfectly resembled those of their parents. They ate greedily of 

 every thing that was offered to them. When fatigued they sat with their 

 tarsi placed on the ground and extended forward, in the manner of all 

 the Herons, which gave them a very ludicrous appearance. Ere a month 

 had elapsed, they appeared to have formed a complete acquaintance 

 with the cook and several of the sailors, had become quite fat, and 

 conducted themselves much like Vultures, for if a dead Duck, or even a 

 Gull of their own species, were thrown to them, they would tear it in 

 pieces, drink the blood, and swallow the flesh in large morsels, each try- 

 ing to rob the others of what they had torn from the carcass. They never 

 drank water, but not unfrequently washed the blood and filth from their 

 bills, by immersing them and then shaking the head violently. These 

 birds were fed until they were nearly able to fly. Now and then, the 

 sailors would throw them overboard while we were in harbour. This 

 seemed to gratify the birds as well as the sailors, for they would swim 

 about, wash themselves, and dress their plumage, after which they would 

 make for the sides, and would be taken on board. During a violent gale, 

 one night, while we were at anchor in the harbour of Bras d'Or, our bark 

 rolled heavily, and one of our pets went over the side and swam to the 

 shore, where^ after considerable search next day, it was found shivering 

 by the lee of a rock. On being brought to its brothers, it was pleasant 

 to see their mutual congratulations, which were extremely animated. Be- 

 fore we left the coast, they would sometimes fly of their own accord into 

 the water to bathe, but could not return to the deck without assistance, 

 although they endeavoured to do so. I had become much attached to 

 them, and now and then thought they looked highly interesting, as they 

 lay panting on their sides on the deck, although the thermometer did not 

 rise above 55°. Their enmity to my son's pointer was quite remarkable, 

 and as that animal was of a gentle and kindly disposition, they would 



