98 NATURAL HISTORY IBirds. 



with dusky feathers ; the back and whole upper side of the 

 body was an uniform dusky-black ; the throat and breast bay ; 

 the feathers of the cheeks remarkably full ; the belly silver- 

 coloured, insomuch that that part looked like a piece of fine 

 white satin ; it had no tail, instead of it were two or three 

 small feathers without webs ; the feet were placed very far 

 back ; the legs thin ; the toes divided into lobes ; the claws 

 broad, something resembling those of the fingers of the human 

 body. 



It can fly, but is not easily raised from the water ; dives 

 most excellently, continuing a long while under water ; and if 

 it is frighted, or dreads danger, sets up nothing more but its 

 head and part of its small neck. 



I once shot a bird of this kind in the Orkneys, which I 

 took for the " Colymbus Podiceps," — Lin. Sys. 223, but am 

 persuaded since it was but a younger bird of this species. 



These are found in the sea, as well as in fresh waters. 



Linnffius tell us this species makes its nest amongst the 

 reeds, which Mr Pennant confirms of another of the same 

 genus, which often floats clear of them into the lake, when 

 the owner is said to steer it with its feet, which pass through 

 it. 



The bird above described lives on fish, and is perpetually 

 diving in search of these ; perhaps, like its congeners, it can 

 feed too on water-plants. How many eggs it lays I cannot 

 say, having never seen the nest. 



