THE GREATER BLACK-R.ACKED GULL. 
345 
Gull are a trifle larger, with bigger markings ; not that this latter 
indication is by any means very trustworthy, for I have seen 
tliem minutely and evenly dotted all over with pale olive 
brown and still paler purplish grey. An egg no longer than 
a good-sized pigeon’s egg was once brought to me, taken from 
a nest in which were two of the ordinary character. It was 
marked in the usual way, but had no yolk. A rather common 
variety is of a pale bluish green, with a few scattered spots of 
pale neutral tint. Wlien the nest has been robbed the bird 
will sometimes lay even a third set of eggs, but these, as is 
usual in such cases, are much lighter in colour. One of the 
most curious specimens of the egg of this bird that ever came 
into my possession was elongated and not perfectly symme- 
trical, measuring as much as three inches in length, and 
slightly narrower than is usual, with peculiarities in the 
colouring also. 
Young birds only a few days old may be occasionally seen 
about the cliffs as late as the first week in August, and as 
winter comes on they join in the large flocks with the adult 
birds, gradually acquiring their cry, though even in early 
spring the difference in the notes is perceptible enough to 
a practised ear. It may be remarked by the way that in early 
spring the Herring Gull is very mucli given to calling loudly 
and flying very high, sometimes soaring and circling up to a 
vast distance above the gTound or the water. At this time 
also they feed almost entirely upon grain, if they can get the 
chance, and are said to be excellent eating. 
THE GEEATEE BLACK-BACKED GULL. 
Larus marinus. 
BAAGIE. 
Another constant resident in Shetland, this grand bird is, as 
it were, the king of the whole genus. Only equalled in size 
by the Glaucous Gull, it may be seen at all seasons and in all 
