NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 241 



I saw no individuals of the King Eider, Somateria spectabilis, during my stay > 

 but was informed that in the fall they are not unfrequently met with. 



Mekgus serrator Linn. Red-breasted Mergauser. " Shell-drake." 

 Mergus serrator, Aud., Birds Amer. vi. 395; pi. 412. Baird, Gen. Rep. 814. 



The Red-breasted Mergauser breeds very abundantly along the Labrador 

 coast, while the Buff- breasted, M. Americanus, is seldom or never seen. The 

 females place their nests on much the same islands as the Eiders choose, but 

 conceal them more carefully in the tall grass, or among thick scrubby juniper. 

 The nest is rather neatly and compactly formed of mosses, lichens, and dried 

 sea weeds, and warmly lined with down plucked from the breast of the mother, 

 with which the eggs are nearly covered. The full number of these is nine or 

 ten; incubation does not take place until late in the season, as I have found 

 them nearly fresh on the 4th of July. They are regularly oval or ellipsoidal in 

 form, and of a uniform light buff color. When the bird is surprised on the 

 nest, she steals off as quietly as possible, and retires to a considerable distance. 

 While the females are engaged in incubation, and in rearing their young, the 

 males collect in small flocks and keep entirely by themselves, and are exces- 

 sively shy and vigilant. I found young birds, apparently about a week old, on 

 the 1st of August. Although so young, they were perfectly at home on the 

 water, swimming with ease and grace, and diving with such celerity that it 

 was with difficulty that three or four were procured. 



Graculus dilophus (Sw.) Gray. Double-crested Cormorant, " Shag." 



Phalacrocorax dilophus, Aud., Birds Amer. vi. 423 : pi. 416. 

 Graculus dilophus, Lawrence, Gen. Rep. 877. 



As I had no opportunity of visiting any of the colonies of Cormorants, either 

 in Labrador or Newfoundland, I can say nothing concerning their habits. I 

 was informed that there was a "Shag settlement" (either of this species or the 

 G. carbo,) near Sloop Harbor, a short distance south of Little Mecattina. A 

 fine specimen of this species was presented to me by Capt. Dodge. Both this 

 and the G. carbo are universally known as " Shags." 



Sula bassana (L.) Briss. Gannet. 

 Sula bassana, Aud., Birds Amer. vii. 44; pi. 425. Lawrence, Gen. Rep. 871. 



On the first of July our proximity to the celebrated Gannet Rocks was clearly 

 indicated by the numbers of these birds seen flyiDg in every direction, engaged 

 in seeking for food, which consists principally or wholly of fish. When sati- 

 ated with food they are unable to fly for some time. We passed by one in this 

 condition ; it flapped heavily along on the surface of the water, trying in vain 

 to rise, yet managing, with aid of wings and feet to proceed with considerable 

 speed. Again, on the 11th of September, on our return we saw many Gannets ; 

 but though on both these occasions we passed within fifty miles or less of the 

 rocks, I was denied the pleasure of observing the birds at their great breeding 

 place, and can only speak of their flight and mode of fishing. They fly with 

 firm, powerful beats, alternately sailing and flapping for about equal distances, 

 and their flight is strong and capable of being greatly protracted. When 

 searching for food, they fly slowly along at the height of a few yards above the 

 surface, reconnoitering the water beneath. When a fish is espied, the bird 

 poises an instant in the air and then darts suddenly down, the weight of its 

 ponderous body giving it an impetus which sends it far under water, and raises 

 the spray in a cloud around it. Taking advantage of this habit, Gannets are 

 sometimes captured by fastening a fish to a soft plank, and sinking it just be- 

 low the surface. The velocity with which the bird descends forces its bill 

 through the wood, and it is thus made a prisoner. 



1861.] 17 



