92 



BLACK-HEADED GULL 



are of a deeper dun, with larger marks, and less tapering than 

 others ; the egg measures two inches and a quarter by one inch 

 and a half. 



The Black-heads frequently penetrate into the interior, espe- 

 cially as far as Philadelphia ; but they seem to prefer the neigh- 

 borhood of the coast for the purpose of breeding. They retire 

 southward early in the autumn. 



This species is found in every part of Russia and Siberia, and 

 even in Kamtschatka. They are seen throughout the winter at 

 Aleppo, in great numbers, and so tame, that the women are said 

 to call them from the terraces of their houses, throwing up pieces 

 of bread, which these birds catch in the air.^ 



The Black-headed Gull is common in Great Britain. " In 

 former times," says Bewick, " these birds were looked upon as 

 valuable property, by the owners of some of the fens and marshes 

 in this kingdom, who, every autumn, caused the little islets or 

 hafts, in those wastes, to be cleared of the reeds and rushes, in 

 order properly to prepare the spots for the reception of the old 

 birds in the spring, to which places at that season they regularly 

 returned in great flocks to breed. The young ones were then 

 highly esteemed as excellent eating, and on that account were 

 caught in great numbers before they were able to fly. Six or se- 

 ven men, equipped for this business, waded through the pools, and 

 with long staves drove them to the land, against nets placed upon 

 the shores of these hafts, where they were easily caught by the 

 hand, and put into pens ready prepared for their reception. The 

 gentry assembled from all parts to see the sport. Dr. Plot in his 

 Natural History of Staffordshire, published in 1686, gives the 

 above particulars, and says that in this manner as many have 

 been caught in one morning as, when sold at five shillings per 

 dozen (the usual price at that time) produced the sum of twelve 



^ Vide Dr. RiissePs description of Aleppo. 



