HERRING-GULL. 
5 
their enclosure, two of them were holding clown the wretched bird, while a third was hammering at its 
skull with repeated strokes from its powerful hill ; the whole party immediately retreated on my appearance, 
hut the deed was done. It could not have been hunger that caused them to commit these barbarities, as, 
in addition to the fish with which they ivero regularly furnished, they had at all times either a pan of 
soaked bread or a supply of corn, on which I have frequently observed them to feed when in a wild state. 
This bread and corn was a great attraction to the Sparrows, which were not unfrequently snapped up and 
immediately swallowed ; a mouse or a young rat that was let loose in their enclosure was also speedily captured 
and gulped down. 
A short account of the singular behaviour of these Gulls may not be out of place, as many extraordinary 
antics, never noticed in a wild state, were occasionally indulged in. After keeping the birds for some years in 
an enclosure laid down with turf, I was at length forced to banish them to other quarters, as they persisted in 
tearing up the grass by the roots. To one of their number, whose vocal powers were most astounding, the name 
of Sims Reeves had been given, while two younger birds were known as Moody and Sankey *. After several 
years had been spent in confinement, I remarked that Sims Reeves asserted his authority over the other two in 
the most overbearing manner, driving them round and round the pond, the two poor wretches meekly trotting 
in front of him, while he every now and then gave vent to the most melancholy and piercing screams. 
Ascertaining at length that they would not live peaceably together, Sims Reeves Avas alloAved to go with his 
wing unclipped, and in due course took his departure. No sooner had he gone than Moody at once became 
“ boss,” and the last state of poor Sankey Avas no better than the first. At times they AA^ere quiet and contented 
enough ; resting side by side on the grass, they appeared the best of friends. M ithout the slightest Avarning, 
hoAvever, Moody Avould arise, and when he had cleared his throat by a preliminary “ catenvaul, the submissiA^e 
Sankey, having learned by experience that it Avould not do to be caught, Avould be up and off. Then, Avith his 
head draAvn back betAvecn his shoulders and his feathers slightly puffed out, bloody Avould folloAV in his Avake. 
Eor an hour or so this mournful procession round and round the pond would continue. At last Moody Avould 
stop, Sankey also pulling up at the distance of a yard or two. Moody leading ; they Avould then commence a duet 
a la tom-cat, Avhen suddenly dropping on their breasts on the ground, they Avould turn rapidly round seA^eral 
times, and at last attack the grass in the most excited manner, tearing it up by the roots and scattering the 
fragments in CA-ery direction. This proceeding Avas accompanied by the most melancholy cries and screams ; and 
Avhen it is stated that the voice of Grimalkin in his happiest or, rather, his unhappiest mood is almost sweet and 
pleasing to the ear, compared Avith the discordant Availing of these infatuated birds, one may judge ot the nature 
of their performance. 'Whether these antics Avere intended for courtship or defiance I Avas utterly at a loss to 
comprehend. 
* I found it necessary to give names to each and all of the birds kept in confinement, so that directions might, if required, be sent for special 
treatment to any particular individual during my absence from home. 
