Page:The Zoologist, 3rd series, vol 1 (1877).djvu/515

Rh probably do their one hundred miles in three hours, or even less, do travel to such distances from land long before they have thought of quitting their breeding haunts. In Castle Harbour, where there are a great number of Tropic-birds continually on the wing, and where they are left comparatively undisturbed during the daytime, this disappearance is, or appears to be, on a somewhat smaller scale.

Larus marinus, Great Black-backed Gull.—Mr. Hurdis mentions an immature example of this Gull, which was captured alive in the Great Sound in December, 1851, and Mr. Bartram has a fine specimen, also in immature plumage, shot by himself near Stocks Point on the 27th December, 1862.

Larus argentatus, Herring Gull.—Without venturing to discuss the relative merits and demerits of the varieties, or sub-species, occidentalis of Audubon, and Smithsonianus of Dr. Coues, I shall assume that all the examples that have occurred in Bermuda may be assigned to the true argentatus. These Gulls occur frequently, not regularly, and many specimens have been obtained. One in my collection was shot in Devonshire Bay on the 4th November, and they have been seen as late as the 19th March. [This Gull was numerous in the autumn of 1875. I obtained several specimens, all immature, the bill in most cases measuring one inch and three-quarters in length. These are probably referable to the variety occidentalis.—H.D.]

Larus delawarensis (L. zonorhynchus of Audubon), Ring-billed Gull.—Only one on record, killed by Major Wedderburn near the Dockyard on the 1st January, 1849, during a north-westerly gale.

Larus tridactylus, Kittiwake.—Not uncommon, but irregular in its visits, which occur from January to March. Most of the examples obtained are in immature plumage.

Larus atricilla, Laughing Gull.—One seen, flying close past him, by Major Wedderburn, at Ireland Island. Mr. Hurdis records that one was taken alive by a fisherman in the winter of 1851–52, and was confined for some time in a spare room, eventually effecting its escape.

Larus Philadelphia, Bonaparte's Gull.—Three are recorded by Major Wedderburn. One was shot by himself on the 27th January, 1849; a second was seen by him on the 15lh December, 1849; and another was killed on the 24th February, 1850. [Two in Rh