frequently, but said it was chiefly done when they had young to feed. I do not know anyone who has had such opportunities of observing this species as my informant, or who is better acquainted with the bird or its habits in the summer season. I also questioned one of the oldest inhabitants—a seafaring man—who I have no doubt has been in the nesting locality of these birds more often than any other living man, and he is convinced the Roseate Tern does rob the other Terns of the small fish they carry in their bills from the sea. Several other men likely to know told me the same. Another striking piece of evidence is as follows:—Whilst I was watching a man repairing a small steam yacht, he remarked to me, "Well, have you been to see the pirates to-day?" That was just after my first visit to the colony in company with the owner of the above mentioned yacht, and it was the first time I had heard the birds spoken of as "pirates." The term had to be explained somewhat before I really understood what was meant. I shall be glad to learn whether any reader can confirm or refute this allegation.—E.G. Potter (14, Bootham Crescent, York).
Iceland Gull at Scarborough.—On Jan. 1st, while fishing from the rocks in the North Bay, I noticed a Gull fly past which I took to be Larus leucopterus from its small size and the absence of black on the primaries. A gunner not very far from me shot down the bird as it passed over him, and brought it to me. It was, as I had imagined, an Iceland Gull in the cream-coloured plumage, with the back inclined for slate-grey, which immediately precedes maturity. The tip of the lower mandible was missing, having apparently been carried away on some previous occasion by a shot. The bird had, however, not suffered by the injury, and was in excellent condition. The stomach was empty. I have only noticed this Gull on two previous occasions at Scarborough.—W.J. Clarke (44, Huntriss Row, Scarborough).
Birds in Kensington Gardens, 1897–1898.—The gradual extermination of most species of birds in London makes it interesting to put on record from time to time those which still exist there, or are to be seen on migration. Mr. Yarrell has somewhere mentioned that in his day seventy-two species frequented Kensington Gardens. During the past two years I have kept a careful note of all the birds which I have happened to see in the Gardens. These I find amount to twenty-seven species. Of these, fourteen species still regularly breed there. The remainder are visitors, some appearing only at the season of migration, but with annual regularity. I have no doubt that more constant or regular observers might contribute to swell the list of visitors, but I have limited my catalogue strictly to birds which I have myself seen, only in Kensington Gardens, and clearly identi-
