165 
of the Falkland Islands. 
59. Diomedea melanophrys, Temm.: Gould, B. Austr. vil 
pi. 43. (Molly-mawk.) 
This Albatros is very seldom seen in East Falkland, but 
breeds in large numbers in the adjacent islands. The nests are 
described as being raised of mud to nearly a foot high from the 
ground, and are placed together in large communities. The eggs 
are two in number, and the birds very difficult to disturb from 
their nests, suffering the eggs, which are collected in large 
numbers and brought to Stanley for sale, to be almost taken 
from under them before moving. The eggs have been described 
by Mr. Gould from my specimens*. 
60. Lestris Antarctica (Less.). (Skua Gull.) 
This Skua is a summer visitant, breeding in the beginning of 
December in communities, which are generally stationed near a 
Penguin rookery. They are always flying backwards and 
forwards, on the look-out to seize the Penguins* eggs. They 
make a kind of rude nest of a few sticks, and lay three eggs. 
In robbing these birds*-nests I always held a stick over my head, 
for they pounce upon one from so many directions at once, that 
it is necessary to guard one*s eyes. The young birds are covered 
with a down of a yellowish colour. 
61. Larus dominicanus. (Saddle-backed Gull.) 
This Gull is a common resident, though I am inclined to 
think that many of them leave in the winter. In the beginning 
of December they commence breeding in large flocks, laying two 
eggs near the beach, or on a small island, without much attempt at 
a nest. The plumage of the young bird is grey, and continues 
so until the second year. In September these birds appear in 
large numbers, many of them immature. During the winter I 
have observed few, and these all old birds. 
62. Larus scoresbii, Trail. (Red-billed Gull.) 
This Gull breeds in December, frequently laying its two eggs 
in the communities of Larus dominicanus , but it has also separate 
breeding-places. The egg is exactly like that of Larus domini¬ 
canus , only smaller. The young birds have a dark hood, which 
* Proc. Zool. Soc. 1859, p. 98. 
