A FREAK OF NATURE.
(To run EDITOR or THE " SEEDTATOR."1 SIR,—I don'i think Archbishop Mathew's explanation will explitin the gull in St. James's Park. First, because-I believe it is the same bird—this is now the third year that it has been coming here. A recent wreck of the `Piave' on the Goodwin Sands could not possibly have dyed this bird two years ago. Secondly, because this bird is growing darker. I believe artificially dyed birds tend to resume their natural colours as they moult. Thirdly, because this bird's wings and hack are discoloured, but the upper surface of its tail is pure white. I cannot imagine that if it got dyed while splashing for its life through oil in the sea, its upper tail coverts could entirely have escaped. Fourthly, melanism is as well established a fact as albinism, In a much slighter degree it is not unoommon in this species. If a partially white blackbird appeared in London, it would not be a very satisfactory or scientific explanation to suggest that it had fallen into a tub of white- wash. But I have no wish to suggest melanism in this weird- looking bird if it is merely dyed in fuel-oil. It visits St. James's Park almost every day. I saw it there to-day. Any one interested in ornithology can one it for himself. It would be specially interesting if any one who had seen some of these dyed birds on the coast could see it. Such a one could probably settle the question. I have not myself seen any oil-stained birds on the coast. But I believe this bird is a very remarkable
case of melanism.—I em, Sir, he., W. M. Geom. The Devonshire Club, March 24th.
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