THE GULL. 
401 
or design, any of these birds of prey are seen, the whole 
assembly attack and compel them to retire. Hence, in some 
places where they abound, they become the guardians of the 
young lambs, which the people consider perfectly safe during 
Summer; and, in return for this protection, the Gull is 
never molested, being held in no less esteem than the Stork 
in Holland, or the Ibis in Egypt. The unfortunate birds 
most exposed to the attacks of these robbers are their 
brethren, the Herring-Gulls and Kittiwakes, probably be- 
cause, being the most diligent pursuers of fish, they are sure 
to find from their exertions a never-failing supply. 
Herrings form the chief provision for the immense flocks 
of these birds, which, in the season, are always found near 
the shoals. It has been remarked, that they seem to have 
an instinctive knowledge of the habits of these fish, and act 
accordingly. In the Shetland Islands, at a particular time of 
the tide, the herrings descend from the surface ; and, during 
the intervals of their absence, the Gulls, as if fishing was out 
of the question for the time, generally repair inland, and rest 
among the heaths. As soon, however, as the tide changes, 
and the herrings again rise, they quit their retreats, and by 
loud and discordant screams, seem to express to each other 
their joy at the approaching feast ; and when they take wing, 
it is a sure sign that the period for fishing is at hand. It is 
astonishing to see with what precision and regularity the 
flocks, far removed from the sea, arouse themselves from a 
state of quiet and repose, and. suddenly, full of hustle and 
activity, betake themselves to the herring- grounds. 
The Gulls hitherto mentioned are, more or less, strangers 
to this country; or may, at all events, he considered as mere 
casual frequenters of our coasts, preferring solitudes still more 
wild and lonely than our own. We have, however, several 
species which breed and remain with us all the year. They 
build on several parts of our rocky shores ; and few scenes 
present more attractions, to an observer of nature, than a view 
of one of these wild spots in that season. We shall describe 
one, that we have often visited, and give, at the same time, 
D D 
