BIRDS. 
169 
192. The Gull usually builds its nest on the 
ledges of rocks, and lays from one egg to three : its 
nest is formed of long grass and sea-weed. It der 
fends its young with great intrepidity. 
193. Their flesh is fishy-tasted, and is black and 
stringy ; but it forms a great part of the food of the 
poor inhabitants of some of the northern islands. 
THE STORMY PETREL. 
194. This bird is not much larger than a swal- 
low ; its legs are long and slender, and its colour is 
black. It is found in almost every sea, sometimes at 
a great distance from land, and braves the utmost 
fury of the storm, sometimes skimming swiftly along 
the hollows of the waves, and sometimes over their 
summits. 
195. It is also an excellent diver, and follows ves- 
sels to pick up any thing that is thrown overboard. 
By the sailors, who look upon the appearance of 
these birds as the sure presage of a storm in the 
course of a few hours, they are called Mother Carey's 
Chickens . 
Where does it build its nest ? What is said of its flesh ? 
Describe the Stormy Petrel. Where is it found ? What is it 
called by sailors ? 
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