205 CHAPTER V. THE SIXTH ORDER. PALMIPEDES OR SWIMMERS. The birds of this order are characterised by their feet and legs formed for swimming; that is to say, placed far back on the body, with short and compressed tarsi, and webs between the toes. A close, shining plumage, moistened by an oily secretion, and furnished near the skin with a thick down, protects them from the water, on the surface of which they live. They are also the only birds in which the neck is longer, and sometimes considerably so, than the legs; because, while swimming on the surface, they have frequent occasion to seek their food below it.-Cuvier. ORDER PALMIPEDES. The Herring Gull. Silvery Gull. FEW persons can have frequented the shores of our island, without observing and admiring the numerous birds of this tribe, which hover over the rocks, burst screaming from the crags, or ride, with a composure truly wonderful, on the foaming wave. We remember to have heard that some English family bears the gull for its crest, with the motto, "Composed in the midst of storms." Such a device must rank as one of the most tasteful of heraldic decorations. The notes of the gull are anything but musical; yet they mingle well with wind and wave, and harmonize with the scenes in the midst of which these birds are found. Though devoid of the charms of song, they have abundant attractions for the wanderer who watches their movements, and listens to their wild cries in their favourite haunts. How beautiful are they, when seen wheeling their flight over the base of the steep cliffs at sunset, reflecting the golden light on their white wings and breasts, till they look like the dove of the sacred bard, "whose wings are of silver, and her feathers of wrought gold!” And what can be so expressive of reposing confidence and self-possession amidst change and turbulence, as the quiet floating of this pleasant bird on the swell of the billow, as it rolls onward to break in foam upon the rocks, leaving the little swimmer undisturbed on its restless restingplace? Of the gulls in general, Bewick observes: "The bill is strong and straight, but bent downwards at the point; the nostrils pervious, oblong and narrow, and placed in the middle. The lower mandible has an angular prominence on the under side, which tapers towards, and forms its tip. The tongue is a little cloven. The body is clothed with a great quantity of down and feathers, which, together with the large head and wings, give these birds an appearance of bulk without a proportionate weight. The legs are small, naked above the knees: feet webbed, and the back toe detached, and very small." Gulls are found in every quarter of the world, and various species frequent our native shores. They are said to be a voracious race, feeding on either flesh or fish in any state in which they can procure it. In consequence of their nature requiring so large a portion of food, they are compelled to use constant exertion to obtain a supply, and are almost continually on the wing, or breasting the wave in search of prey. They fly vast distances, and have been met with more than a hundred leagues from land. It appears to be very difficult for them to procure food amid the violence of tempests and hurricanes, though they are still seen on the ocean, safe amid the war of elements. A naturalist at Na |