254 PODICEPS CRISTATUS. 



haps the Red-throated Diver, agreeing so closely in habits 

 as to render companionship with them advantageous. It 

 has the appearance of sitting deep in the water, the breadth 

 of its body being greater than its height ; and, when appre- 

 hensive of danger, it sinks still more, in the manner of the 

 Loons and Cormorants, which it also resembles in its mode 

 of diving. If pursued Avith a boat, it still prefers gliding 

 beneath the waters, and, on emerging at a distance, merely 

 raises its head and neck in order to breathe, when it again 

 dives, and, unless severely wounded, is sure to make its 

 escape. In open weather in winter it is also seen on lakes 

 and rivers, and in summer it resides exclusively in fresh 

 water. Its food consists of fishes of various kinds, aquatic 

 insects, reptiles, and Crustacea. Along with remains of these 

 are usually found in its stomach numerous large curved 

 feathers, which it probably picks up as they float on the 

 water, and which are, no doubt, intended to facilitate 

 digestion. 



Although indigenous, it is much more uncommon in 

 summer than in winter, so that most of the individuals seen 

 on our coasts are probably migratory. Montagu states that 

 it breeds in the meres of Shropshire and Cheshire, and in 

 the fens of Lincolnshire. The nest, he says, is large, com- 

 posed of a variety of aquatic plants, and is not attached to 

 anything, but floats among the reeds and flags, penetrated 

 by the water ; the eggs four, about the size of those of a 

 pigeon. They are, however, much larger. Not having seen 

 a nest of this species, I can only compare the accounts of it 

 given by authors, and state the result, which is, that it is 

 bulky, rudely constructed, composed of flags, rushes, leaves, 

 and stems of reeds, as well as other plants, and placed either 

 on the ground among rushes or reeds, or over the water, and 

 supported by the broken stems, or secured by being jammed 

 in amongst them. Dr. Richardson, who states that this 

 species is abundant in the secluded lakes of the mountainous 

 districts of the fur countries of North America, says the nests 

 are formed of a large quantity of grass, placed among reeds 

 and carices, and rise and fall with the water. 



Mr. Audubon, describing its habits as observed in the 



