ICELA.ND GULL.— KITTIWAKE GULL, 273 



that he shot an Iceland Gull, at Beachy Head, on January 

 21st, 1880. 



It requires very careful examination to distinguish the 

 young of this species from that of the Glaucous Gull. I 

 have no doubt respecting the example received by Mr. Pratt, 

 as mentioned above. The specimens of the Glaucous Gull 

 often vary greatly in size. 



KITTIWAKE GULL. 



Rissa tridactyla. 



The Kittiwake frequents our coast throughout the year, but 

 is most abundant in spring and autumn, feeding on surface- 

 swimming fish and Crustacea. In heavy gales, and when 

 the sea is too rough for it, it is often found inland in large 

 flocks, but seldom goes far from the shore in calm weather. 

 It may often be seen following the plough, and some years ago 

 one was caught at Cowfold, with its feet and legs so weighted 

 with clay that it could not rise ; — this is about twelve miles 

 from the sea. 



It does not now breed in Sussex, but on many parts of the 

 north and west coasts its nest is placed on narrow ledges of 

 the cliflFs, and is formed of sea-weed. Great numbers are 

 usually placed in close proximity. 



The plumage is in great demand with the " plumassier," 

 the barred wings of the young bird being most in fashion. 



Mr. Booth states that at Glovelly, opposite Lundy Island, 

 vast numbers were annually slain, and there was a regular 

 staff for preparing the plumage. In many cases the wings 

 were torn off and the live birds thrown back into the water, 

 and this abominable cruelty and destruction, commencing on 



T 



