232 
THE GULL. 
selves for the rest of the year; and are never 
seen congregated in great numbers, except when 
attracted by shoals of herrings, or some similar 
cause; hut it is positively asserted by the light- 
keepers, as a very extraordinary fact, that they all 
instinctively return to the South Stack during the 
same night, on or about the 10th of February; and 
retire, with the exception of those that, having been 
robbed on the main, had resorted to the island to 
renew the labours of incubation, about the night of 
the 12th of August. The keepers state that, in the 
middle of the former night, they are warned of their 
arrival by a great noise, as it were a mutual greeting 
and cheering ; adding, that they look to their return 
as that of so many old acquaintances, after a long 
absence, announcing the Winter to he over, and 
Spring approaching. For a time they appear to 
congregate together without any order whatever; 
hut in the course of a month begin to pair, and, 
getting their nests in readiness, proceed to lay their 
eggs. As if confident of protection, they become 
quite familiar; at least this is the case with the 
Larus canus , or common Gull. 
In one part, a point of rock projects considerably; 
its extremity commanding a full view of the va- 
rious ledges, as well as declivities, on which the 
Gulls have established themselves ; and there have 
we sat, and could have remained for hours, watching 
these sea-birds, and listening to their wild cry, 
mingling with the hoarse roar of the waves lashing 
the rocks below. When resting there, some would 
fly so near, that the fanning of their wings could 
almost be felt, while others, would delight within a 
