438 



usually deposited. Eggs in my collection from Egedesminde, in Greenland, resemble those of 

 Larus marinus, but appear subject to rather more variation in the markings : one is pale sea- 

 green with two or three purplish shell-blotches and several dark brown surface-spots ; and two 

 others are richly marked with peculiar hieroglyphic-like broad lines drawn chiefly round the 

 larger end. In size they are similar to those of the Great Black-backed Gull. 



The present species varies not a little in tinge of colour as well as in size, some being much 

 paler and smaller than others ; but, as a rule, I have found that adult examples vary in length 

 of wing from about eighteen to nineteen and a half inches. On these differences in size and in 

 shade of colour other so-called species, as, for instance, Larus giganteus and Larus hutchinsii, 

 have been founded ; but I cannot think that they are deserving of specific distinction. Larus 

 hutchinsii is merely a white variety of the present species, and appears to be of very rare 

 occurrence : it has been met with on the American coast ; and one has also been recorded from 

 Norway by my friend Mr. R. Collett. 



The specimens figured are the adult and young birds above described. 



In the preparation of the above article I have examined the following specimens : — 



E Mus. H. E. Dresser. 



a, ad. Greenland (Erichsen). b, $ juv. Waxholm, near Stockholm, February 18th, 1872 (Meves). c,juv. 

 Yorkshire coast, purchased in Leadenhall Market (H. E. D.) . 



