206 MERGANSER. GOOSANDER. 



Merganser and Mergus Serrator, male, female, and young, 

 have undoubtedly eighteen tail-feathers. There is no lack 

 of specimens in Old Scotia, and I have examined many, both 

 entire and " in skin." Mergus Albellus has certainly six- 

 teen ; but of Mergus cucullatus I cannot speak decidedly. 

 A specimen in my collection, however, has eighteen, but there 

 seems to he a gap in the tail; and after finding the most 

 trustworthy authors so often wrong in this matter, I have 

 ceased to repose unnecessary confidence in them. 



