COLYMBID.E. 



515 



the feet, being sufficient to enable it to plunge into the 

 sea. From the backward position of its legs, it cannot 

 walk ; its only mode of progression, therefore, when on 

 land, is that of shoving itself forward by lying on its 

 breast and striking the ground with its feet. The 

 Northern Diver rarely flies, as it rises with difficulty from 

 the surface of the water ; but when once u})on the wing 

 its flight is swift, and frequently in a circle round those 

 who intrude upon its haunts. Its cries have been com- 

 pared to those of a man in distress, but it also utters 

 occasionally a low hoarse croak. Its plumage is close, 

 and the skin tough, on which account it is much used by 

 the natives of northern countries in the manufacture of 

 comfortable articles of clothing. The flesh is hard, and 

 of a rank fishy flavour. 



