THE CHINESE CORMORANT. G2.3 



shot, as they dive tlio moment that thoy pcixoive the ihish of a gnu, and lake care after- 

 wards to keep out of Its reach. 



In swimming they carry their heads very erect, while the hody seems nearly sub- 

 merged. From the circumstance of their feathers being not quite Impervious to water, 

 they do not remain on it very long at a time, but are frequently seen flying about, or 

 sitting on the shore, flapping the moisture from their wings, or keeping tlicm for some 

 time expanded to drj- in the sun and the wind. They nestle in the clifl's and rocks, or 

 in trees, the female laying two or three whitish eggs, much elongated, and of nearly 

 equal dimensions at both ends. 



This is the Lcittzc of the Chinese, who instruct It in the art of supplying its owner 

 with fish. On a large lake Sir G. Staunton and his part}' saw thousands of small boats 

 and rafts, on each of which were -ten or twelve of these birds, which, at a signal from the 

 owner, plunged into the water, and returned with a fish of large size. The birds ap- 

 peared to be so well trained that it did not require either a 'ring or a cord about their 

 throats to prevent them from swallowing any part of their jirey, except what their 

 master was pleased to give them for encouragement and food. 



• C. Sinensis. 



