WATER BIRDS 



they are even now discovering that by skilful 

 management aeroi^lanes, like birds, can re- 

 main in the air for a considerable period of 

 time and move in various directions without 

 motive force. 



While herring gulls in calm weather often 

 flap along like herons, in stormy days they 

 are totally different creatures, and appear to 

 delight in the blasts, sometimes sailing, with 

 wings slightly bent, straight into the wind. 



" But when along the waves the shrill north-easter 

 Shrieks through the laboring coaster's shrouds ' Be- 

 ware! ' — 

 The pale bird, kindling like a Christmas feaster, 

 When some wild chorus shakes the vinous air, 



Flaps from the leaden wave in fierce rejoicing, 

 Feels heaven's dumb lightning thrill his torpid nerves, 

 Now on the blast his whistling plumage poising, 

 Now wheehng, whirUng in fantastic curves." 



One can but admire the ease with which they 

 circle and sail in calm weather or in storm, 

 sometimes rising with imperceptible effort to 

 a great height, their white plmnage flashing 

 in the sunlight. 



" Now shaves with level wing the deep, then soars." 



129 



