10 DECEMBER 1948, Page 17

An Inland Gull

A Devonian, dwelling inland, is clearly astonished by the appearance of a single sea-gull that squats on the lawn and roosts there. Herring gulls seem now and again to isolate themselves and select a particular pitch. I knew one that was singularly faithful to a Cornish golf-house, and seemed, as others at seaside shelters, to nurse no shyness of man. Other species seem more shy, though they will take food from the hand when on the wing.