THE SEA-GULL, E 323

The Swan ©Wans are said to be spiteful at times, and to
and the show a savagery of temper on occasion, for which,
Fawn. as in the following case, it is difficult to account.
“In the park of Lord Grantley at Wonersh, near Guildford,
a fawn, drinking, was suddenly pounced upon by one of the
swans, which pulled the animal into the water, and held it
under until quite drowned. This action was observed by the
other deer in the park, and did not long go unrevenged; for
shortly after, this very swan, which had hitherto never been
molested by the deer, was singled out when on land, and
furiously attacked by a herd, which surrounded and killed it.”

The The Gulls are a numerous family, the Common

Common Gull, the Herring Gull, the Great Black-Backed

Sea-Gull. Gull and the Ivory Gull being well known species.
The Common Gull is found everywhere. It frequents the
coasts of continents and islands and feeds principally upon
fish, though its voracity is very accommodating, and its taste
not over fastidious.

A Tame Many years ago, Mr. Scot, of Benholm, near

Sea-gull. Montrose, caught a sea-gull, and having cut its

wings put it into his garden. The bird remained in this situa-
tion for several years, and being kindly treated, became so
familiar, as to come at call to be fed at the kitchen door
and to answer to the name of Willie. It became so tame
at last that no pains were thought necessary to circumscribe
its liberty, and its wings having grown to full length, it flew
away, joined the other gulls on the beach, and came back,
from time to time, to pay a visit to the house. When its
companions left the country at the usual season, Willie ac-
companied them, much to the regret of the family. To their
great joy, however, it returned next season; and with its
usual familiarity came to its old haunt, where it was welcomed
and fed very liberally. In this way it went and returned for
forty years, without intermission, and kept up its acquaintance
with the family, for while in the country it visited them
2X