ad nothing to fear--not
much, indeed, even had I possessed one, as I should not have known how
to use it. It is probable enough that had they seen a gun they would
not have allowed me so near, for white gulls somewhat resemble, black
crows in this respect, and can distinguish between a gun and hoe-handle
a long way off. Right well do they know the glance of a
"shooting-iron."

I watched the creatures for a long while with great interest; and would
have considered myself well rewarded for the exertions I had made in
getting there, had I even turned back on the spot and rowed ashore
again. The birds that clustered near the stones were all gulls, but
there were two kinds, very different in size, and somewhat unlike in
colour. One sort had black heads and greyish wings, while the other and
larger kind was nearly of a pure white colour. Nothing could exceed the
cleanly appearance of both. They looked as if a spot of dirt had never
soiled their snowy plumage; and their beautiful red legs shone like
branches of the purest coral. I made out that those upon the stones
were engaged in various ways. Some ran about evidently in search of
food; and this consisted of the small fry of fish that had been left by
the receding tide, as well as little crabs, shrimps, lobsters, mussels,
and other curious animals of the sea. A great many of the birds merely
sat preening their white plumage, of which they appeared to be not a
little proud. But although they all looked contented and happy, they
were evidently not exempted, any more than other living creatures, from
cares and evil passions. This was proved by the fact that more than one
terrible quarrel occurred among them while I was looking on, from what
cause--unless it was the male birds battling through jealousy--I could
not determine. A most captivating sight it was to see those upon the
wing engaged in their occupation of fishing; to see them shoot down from
a height of more than a hundred yards, disappear with almost silent
plunge beneath the blue waves, and after a short interval emerge,
bearing their glittering prey in their beaks. Of all the movements of
birds, either upon foot or on the wing, I think there is none so
interesting to look at as the actions of the fishing gull while engaged
in pursuit of his prey. Even the kite is not more graceful in its
flight. The sudden turning in his onward course--the momentary pause to
fix more accurately the position of his prey