epithet ; for although the latter is certainly " common " 

 enough, its breeding-haunts are confined to Scotland 

 and Ireland, whereas the present species breeds locally 

 in great numbers throughout the United Kingdom. 

 This Gull is resident with us, though its inland nesting- 

 places are deserted for the sea-coast in the winter 

 months ; rough weather, however, or a flood on any of 

 our larger rivers will generally bring these birds in 

 considerable flocks to considerable distances from the 

 salt-water at any time of the year. 



In many parts of England these Gulls may be seen 

 following the plough, and in Norfolk are commonly 

 known as " Scoulton Crows," from one of their best 

 known breeding-places in the west of that county. My 

 acquaintance with this species during its breeding- 

 season is confined to another locality in Norfolk, where 

 the birds have increased greatly since my first visit, 

 owing to the strict protection afforded them by the 

 owner. 



Such circumstantial details have appeared in 'Yarrell' 

 regarding the many colonies of this bird that it would 

 be superfluous for me to repeat them ; I will therefore 

 only say that the islands and margins of freshwater 

 meres, as well as swampy mosses, are generally selected 

 for nesting purposes ; the birds repair to these localities 

 early in March, and the eggs are found in the greatest 

 abundance in May ; their usual complement is three. 



The nests that I have seen were simple masses of 

 flags and sedge ; at the time of my first visit to the 

 locality that I have previously referred to, the young 

 were just hatching, and took boldly to the water with, 



