352 LARIDiE. 



subsequently noted, fine for some clays afterwards) — I observed 

 near Droglieda and Dublin, many of these gulls in grass and 

 ploughed fields several miles from the sea, and in some places 

 mingled with rooks : there was no ploughing going forward to 

 furnish them with food. Harely, I have seen large numbers 

 retire a short way inland from Belfast Bay, at high water, and in 

 the same field with herons await the falling of the tide, but in 

 this locality they are not in the habit of retiring to land at such 

 times, like the latter species, the curlew and other Grallatores. 

 The flowing tide gently lifts the gulls on its bosom, on wliich they 

 silently repose, while the waders are obliged to change their 

 quarters. 



When driving with Mr. R. Ball, about a mile inland from 

 Dundrum Bay (county Down), during low water, on the 22nd of 

 September, 1849, we had our attention arrested by about thirty of 

 these gulls in a field, forming several little parties, and seated 

 on the short pasture, as if they were swimming, all with their 

 heads turned seaward. There A^ere others in the adjoining fields : 

 and all were adult. They allowed us to pass in a vehicle within 

 twenty yards of them. 



At high water, flocks of these gulls sometimes, after their 

 manner of disporting themselves — as alluded to under the black- 

 headed species, — rise to a great elevation in the air, and continue 

 for a long time on wing, within a very limited space, often, 

 indeed, appearing as if their flight were confined within a " given'' 

 circle ; but occasionally one or two will bolt from this circus-like 

 manege, and shooting like rockets, apparently direct through the 

 midst of the circling body (though they may perhaps be really 

 outside the circle), present a most singular appearance. Wlien 

 thus amusing themselves, these gulls may boast, that 



" In regions mild of calm and serene air 

 Above the smolce and stir of this dim spot 

 Which men call Earth," 



they hold their court. 



The time given to this flight is not at the expense of their 

 feeding hours, as at high water in Belfast Bay they merely 



