118 ZOOLOGY. 



S. Rj/nchops. Skimmer. Bill strait, the upper mandible 

 much the shortest, the lower one truncate at the tip ; 

 feet pal mated. 



Natiyes of America and Asia ; feeding on fish, which they 

 scoop out of the water whilst skimming over. 



9. Sterna. Terx or Sea-Swallow. Bill strait, slender, 

 sharp-pointed ; nostrils linear ; tongue sharp, slender ; 

 wings very long ; tail forked ; feet small, webbed, 

 hind toe smal', distinct. 



Terns are abundant on most bold and rocky shores, thejr 

 are a noisy restless tribe, at constant war witli the lesser 

 kinds of their own genus, as also with the smaller Gulls, from 

 which propensity they hare acquired the name of Gull- 

 Teazer : these are pursued for the purpose of making them 

 disgorge their food, which is seirad by the Tern before it 

 reaches the wafer ; they also devour fish, and any animal 

 matter they may find on the surface or margins of the sea. 

 All the species are exceedingly shy ; they lay their eggs 

 among shingle, on the sea shore, as also on the banks of salt- 

 water lakes or marshes. They are rarely obtained but by 

 the gun. Several species are found in England and the ad- 

 jacent Islands. British Ornithology, vols. 2, 3. The col- 

 lector will find it to his advantage to procure this family at 

 different periods of age, as most, if not all the kinds, do 

 not attain their full plumage till the third or fourth year. 



10. Larus. Coll. Bill strong, strait, but inclining down- 

 wards at the point, the lower mandible furnished with 



