352 
LARIM. 
subsequently noted, fine for some days afterwards) — I observed 
near Drogheda and Dublin, many of these gulls in grass and 
ploughed fields several miles from the sea, and in some places 
mingled with rooks : there was no ploughing going forward to 
furnish them with food. Barely, I have seen large numbers 
retire a short way inland from Belfast Bay, at high water, and in 
the satne field with herons await the falling of the tide, but in 
this locality they are not in the habit of retiring to land at such 
times, like the latter species, the curlew and other Grallatores. 
The flowing tide gently lifts the gulls on its bosom, on which they 
silently repose, while the waders are obliged to change their 
quarters. 
When driving with Mr. E. Ball, about a mile inland from 
Dundrum Bay (county Down), during low water, on the 22nd of 
September, 1849, we had our attention arrested by about thirty of 
these gulls in a field, forming several little parties, and seated 
on the short pasture, as if they were swimming, all with their 
heads turned seaward. There were others in the adjoining fields : 
and all were adult. They allowed us to pass in a vehicle within 
twenty yards of them. 
At high water, flocks of these gulls sometimes, after their 
manner of disporting themselves — as alluded to under the black- 
headed species, — rise to a great elevation in the air, and continue 
for a long time on wing, within a very limited space, often, 
indeed, appearing as if their flight were confined within a “ given” 
circle ; but occasionally one or two will bolt from this circus-like 
manege , and shooting like rockets, apparently direct through the 
midst of the circling body (though they may perhaps be really 
outside the circle), present a most singular appearance. When 
thus amusing themselves, these gulls may boast, that 
“ In regions mild of calm aiid serene air 
Above the smoke and stir of this dim spot 
Which men call Earth/’ 
they hold their court. 
The time given to this flight is not at the expense of their 
feeding hours, as at liigh water in Belfast Bay they merely 
