4 TERN. 



the gull habits, but is readily distinguishable 

 from the gulls, even at a considerable distance, 

 on account of its rapid, darting flight. It is 

 not at all unlike a swallow in general shape, 



TERN. 



for the wings are long and pointed, the body is 

 rather large in front, and tapers to a point, and 

 its tail is forked like that of a swallow. 



It is extremely dexterous in its capacity as a 

 fisher, for in its swift flight over the waves it 

 darts upon any small fish that may be unfortunate 

 and curious enough to come near the surface, and 

 scoops it up, as it were, from the water, without 

 seemingly interrupting the speed of its course. 

 The nest, if it can be dignified with the title, is 

 merely a hollow scooped in the sand, well above 

 high- water mark ; and in this hollow two or three 



