LITTLE GULL. 
119 
altliougli we are informed that the same localities as those 
which the Lams ridibimclus frequents, are supposed to afford 
this species the required shelter, and that the eggs resemble 
those of the Larus ridibundus, being only smaller in size ; 
yet we have no certain ground to depend upon, and can only 
wish that an opportunity may soon occur to establish the fact, 
and throw the necessary light on the subject. 
That the Little Gull is migratory is well established, and 
moreover that the breeding-places cannot be far distant, in 
consequence of the appearances of this bird at various and 
irregular times of the year in several parts of Europe, and in 
all the states of plumage, which we intend here to describe. 
It is indeed lamentable to think that while several hun¬ 
dred pairs are at times seen together on the mouth of the 
Elbe, no one has had the curiosity to capture some alive, and 
keep them for the purpose of obtaining an egg, particularly 
as it is a very easy matter, as we have experienced, to keep 
Gulls in confinement for any length of time and in perfect 
health, and apparent happiness. We cannot refrain from 
returning once more to the subject of collections of live birds, 
and expressing our surprise that they are not more general, and 
in particular sea-birds (Gulls), as there are few species more in¬ 
teresting and elegant, not only in regard to their delicate plu¬ 
mage and periodical changes, but also to their very graceful 
movements; and we can assure our readers that nothing has 
given us so much pleasure during the whole course of this pub¬ 
lication, as the possession of living specimens, of which we have, 
at different times, had many curious and rare examples. These 
have contributed not only to our amusement, but to the accuracy 
of many of our Plates, as respects the character of their forms 
and colouring. In this latter branch it is in vain to depend 
upon preserved skins, since their colours often differ very 
greatly from the colouring of life. To approach as near as 
