THE SEA-GULL. 321 



The Swan Swans are said to be spiteful at times, and to 



and tbB show a savagery of temper on occasion, for which, 



*^"'' as in the following case, it is difficult to account. 



" In the park of Lord Grantley at Wonersh, near Guildford, 



a fawn, drinking, was suddenly pounced upon by one of the 



swans, which pulled the animal into the water, and held it 



under until quite drowned. This action was observed by the 



other deer in the park, and did not long go unrevenged; for 



shortly after, this very swan, which had hitherto never been 



molested by the deer, was singled out when on land, and 



furiously attacked by a herd, which surrounded and killed it." 



ipjjg The Gulls are a numerous family, the Common 



Commou Gull, the Herring Gull, the Great Black-Backed 



Bea-Quii. q^jj ^^^ ^j^g j^^jy q^jj ^^gjj^g ^^jj known species. 



The Common Gull is found everjnjirhere. It frequents the 

 coEists of continents and islands and feeds principally upon 

 fish, though its voracity is very accommodating, and its taste 

 not over fastidious. 



A Tame Many years ago, Mr. Scot, of Benholm, near 

 Sea-gull. Montrose, caught a sea-gull, and having cut its 

 wings put it into his garden. The bird remained in this situa- 

 tion for several years, and being kindly treated, became so 

 familiar, as to come at call to be fed at the kitchen door 

 and to answer to the name of Willie. It became so tame 

 at last that no pains were thought necessary to circumscribe 

 its liberty, and its wings having grown to full length, it flew 

 away, joined the other gulls on the beach, and came back, 

 from time to time, to pay a visit to the housCc When its 

 companions left the country at the usual season, Willie ac- 

 companied them, much to the regret of the family. To their 

 great joy, however, it returned next season; and with its 

 usual familiarity came to its old haunt, where it was welcomed 

 and fed very liberally. In this way it went and returned for 

 forty years, without intermission, and kept up its acquaintance 

 with the family, for while in the country it visited them 



21 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



