NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 239 



CAMPTOLiSMUs Labradorius (Gm.) Gray. — Labrador Duck. "Fool-bird." 

 Fuligula Lahradora, Aud., Birds Amer. vi. 329, pL 400. 

 Camptolxmus Labradorius, Baird, Gen. Rep. 803. 



I did not succeed in procuring or even meeting witli this rare and very re- 

 markable Duck. I was informed that, though it was very rarely seen in the 

 summer, it is not an uncommon bird in Labrador during the fall ; it is known 

 by the peculiar appellation of "Fool-bird," a name given on account of its 

 remarkably unsuspicious nature, which renders it easy to approach. The 

 name, however, can scarcely be a general one. Further than this I learned 

 nothing respecting it. 



Pelioxetta perspicillata (L.) Kaup. — Surf Duck. "Bottle-nosed Coot." 

 Fuligula perspicillata, Aud., Birds Amer. vi. 337, pi. 402. 

 Pelionetta perspicillata, Baird, Gen. Rep. 806. 



The Surf Duck is an abundant bird along the coast of Labrador, where a 

 good many breed, though perhaps a greater number go still further north. 

 They are seen in flocks of considerable extent, especially during the renewal 

 of their feathers, at which time they collect in great numbers along the shores 

 of the bays and inlets. On the 3d of August, while sailing up Esquimaux Bay, 

 the shore for nearly a mile was lined with these Ducks, and the succeeding 

 species. They were all in deep moult, and most of them unable to fly, and 

 yet were so wary and vigilant, that few were obtained, for they dived at the 

 flash of the gun with such celerity as to escape the shot. They are tough 

 birds, and remarkably tenacious of life, and require a heavy charge to kill 

 them. Those procured were excessively fat, but their flesh was rank and 

 oily. They are known as "Bottle-nosed Coots," a name given in allusion to 

 the very peculiar shape and color of the bill. 



Melanetta VELVETiNA Baird. — Velvet Duck. " White-winged Coot ;" " Brass- 

 winged Diver." 

 Fuligulu fusca, Aud., Birds Amer. vi. 332, pi. 401. 

 Melanetta velvetina, Baird, Gen. Rep. 805. 



This species is nearly if not quite as abundant as the preceding, with which 

 it is often found associating. It appears to possess much the same habits. It 

 is a very shy and vigilant species, and possesses powers of diving surpassed 

 by few birds. It is known by the names of the " White-winged Coot " and 

 " Brass-winged Diver," the former being the most usual appellation. 



Though I did not meet with the American Scoter, Oidemia Americana, I was 

 assured that it breeds in the neighborhood of Esquimaux Bay. It is known as 

 the "Black Coot" and "Butter-billed Coot." The three species of Oidemiece 

 are all called "Coots ;" a nomenclature that puzzled me not a little, until I 

 ascertained to what birds the names referred. 



Somateria mollissima (Linn.) Leach. — Eider Duck. " Sea-duck." 

 Fuligula mollissima, Aud., Birds Amer. vi, 349. pi. 405. 

 Somateria mollissima, Baird, Gen. Rep. 809. 



The Eider Duck, so widely and justly celebrated for the valuable down 

 which it furnishes in such quantity as to make it a profitable article of com- 

 merce, is the most abundant Duck throughout the extent of Labrador, which 

 is with it a favorite breeding place. For although many breed in very high 

 latitudes on both sides of the Atlantic, yet Labrador, from the peculiar nature 

 of its coast, seems a country specially adapted to its wants. It also finds 

 there a safer place of retreat while engaged in the duties of incubation, since, 

 at least as far as I can ascertain, its down is not so regularly sought for as it is 

 in some other countries. Wherever found at all it is an abundant species ; but 

 on the American coast it is seldom or never seen south of Long Island or the 

 New Jersey Capes. 



1861.] 



