GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL. 313 



kept for some weeks in a cellar in the old College, and then presented to 

 me by the late Mr John Wilson, the janitor, — a person remarkably dis- 

 tinguished for his attachment to natural history pursuits. This Heron 

 we succeeded in taming completely, and it still (1835) remains with me, 

 having the whole garden to range in, the trees to roost upon, and access 

 to the Loch at pleasure, the loch being the boundary of my garden. 

 Some time in the spring of 1822, the large Gull was amissing ; and we 

 ascertained (in some way that has now escaped my memory) that it had 

 not been stolen, nor killed, as we at first supposed, but had taken flight, 

 passing northwards over the village, and had probably therefore gone to 

 sea. Of course I gave up all expectation of ever hearing more of it. It 

 was not Avithout surprise, therefore, that on going home one day in the 

 end of October of that year, 1 heard my servant calling out with great 

 exultation, " Sir, Big Gull is come back V I accordingly found him 

 walking about in his old haunts in the garden, in company with, and re- 

 cognising (as I am firmly persuaded) his old friend the Heron. He dis- 

 appeared in the evening, and returned in the morning, for several days ; 

 when Peggy Oltvee thought it best to secure him. He evidently did 

 not like confinement, and it was concerted that he should be allowed 

 his liberty, although he ran much risk of being shot on the mill-pond by 

 youthful sportsmen from Edinburgh. After this temporary captivity, 

 he was more cautious and shy than formerly ; but still he made almost 

 daily visits to the garden, and picked up herrings or other food laid down 

 for him. In the beginning of March 1823 his visits ceased ; and we 

 saw no more of him till late in the autumn of that year. These winter 

 visits to Canonmills, and summer excursions to the unknown breeding- 

 place, were continued for years with great uniformity : only I remarked 

 that after the Gull lost his protectress, who died in 1826 *, he became 

 more distant in his manners. In my note-book, under date of 26th Oc- 

 tober 1829, I find this entry: ' Old Peggy's Great Black-backed Gull 

 arrived at the pond this morning, the seventh (or eighth) winter he has 

 regularly returned. He had a scorie with him, which was soon shot on 

 the loch, by some cockney sportsman.' The young bird, doubtless 



• " Peggy Olivek was remarkable for the zeal and taste she displayed in the domesti- 

 cating of uncommon animals, as well as in the culture of plants : her experlness in the 

 laiter department is noticed and praised by Mr Loudon in his Gardener's Magazine. Her 

 funeral was attended by some of the most distinguished naturalists here, and, among 

 others, by your friend Dr MacCulloch of Pictou, who happened to be in Edinburgh at 

 the time, and whose friendship I have also the happiness to enjoy." 



