228 
THE GULL. 
sure to find from their exertions a never-failing 
supply.. 
Herrings form the chief provision for the im- 
mense 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 ac- 
cordingly. In the Shetland Islands, at a particular 
time of 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 ; 
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, rouse themselves from 
a state of quiet and repose, and suddenly, full of 
bustle 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, be 
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 
