25 SEPTEMBER 1886, Page 15

IS THE SEA-GULL EDIBLE?

LTO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]

SI11,—In your issue of September 18th, in the article on "Two Electric-Boats," you comment on one of the crew of the Volta' seizing a sea-gull asleep on the waves, because it is " quite use- less for food."

During a recent holiday in Skye, I had the opportunity of tasting this sea-fowl. The specimen I had to carve, though decidedly tough, was not unpleasant eating, nor was the flavour as fishy as one might have expected. I understand that in Skye and the Outer Hebrides this bird is frequently eaten. If killed when young, I should imagine it would make a not unpalatable dish.—I am, Sir, &c., [The passengers by the Volta' were not, however, going to eat it.—En. Spectator.]