Middlesex Co., Mass. [Middlesex County, Massachusetts]
1875
Feb. 7 [February 7, 1875] gull, which though resembling
superficially C. Bonapartii [Chroicocephalus bonapartii] differs
in several important characteristics,
especially in having the tail decidedly
emarginate, and which may prove
something good, perhaps a Xema, of 
which I can find no description
elucidating the immature plumage.
This specimen was shot by Mr. D. [Mr. Diamond]
in Boston harbor Sept - 1874. It
was sitting on a mass of floating
seaweed & was very tame, inasmuch
as the sail boat containing the party
ran by it within a few rods before 
it was discovered. It was holding
in its bill a small crab apple and
when pried at and wing broken
made its way off along the surface
with such celerity that it was with
difficulty secured. Mr. Diamond
expressing a perfect willingness to 
exchange the specimen with me for a
few brightly colored small birds, I
brought it home with me.
Feb. 9 [February 9, 1875] Clear and very cold. Ther. [thermometer] 8 [degrees] below 0 at
10 P.M. Went into Boston immediately
after breakfast and meeting Mr. Davenport
by appointment took the cars out
to Hyde Park together. The object of
our visit was to get an opportunity
if possible to examine the collection
of stuffed birds which belonged to 
the late James Gately the well known