260 LOBE-FOOTED BIRDS. 



cimen having been killed on Great Slave Lake by the ex- 

 ploring party of Captain Franklin. They arrive in the 

 Northern and Middle States about the close of August, and 

 are then seen residing in our small fresh-water lakes, until 

 the approach of winter, when they retire probably as far 

 south as the lagoons of the Mississippi, and the tide-water 

 streams and bays of the Mexican Gulf. It is the most com- 

 mon species in the Union, and is met with in all the states 

 as far as Florida, leaving those countries however for the 

 north in the month of April. Most of the birds seen in this 

 vicinity are young or unadult ; they feed principally on fish 

 and aquatic insects, such as large Ncpas, and other kinds. 

 They often swim about without appearing to take any alarm 

 from the peaceful spectator ; but in the next moment dive 

 and swim under water for such a length of tiir_e, as to ap- 

 pear, for several minutes, entirely invisible ; and at such 

 times, these Water Witches, as they are deservedly called, 

 are often moving about entirely submerged to the bill, which 

 is the only part elevated above the w^ater, and, in the cov- 

 ert of the surrounding aquatic herbage, this small project- 

 ing point is not only easily overlooked but with difficulty dis- 

 covered. Like Ducks, they are also somewhat nocturnal in 

 their habits, and may be perceived after sun-set, in the 

 dusky twilight, actively engaged, and swimming about the 

 ponds with great activity. While here they are not heard 

 to utter any note, and their breeding places are wholly un- 

 known. The young are often eaten, and are generally ten- 

 der and well flavored. 



This species is about 14 inches in length. Upper jilumage dusky- 

 brown : the secondaries obliquely tipped with white. A conspicu- 

 ous black roundish patch under the chin, extending an inch or more 

 down on the throat ; the rest of the throat and cheeks brownish -grey ; 

 a patch on the breast dotted or clouded with brownish-white and 

 black. The belly, almost white, mottled under the wings and along 



