512 ANATIDiE. 



are of a pure ivory-white, and of an oval or almost globular 

 form ; average measurements 2*1 by 1'7 in. 



Audubon writes as follows : — " Excepting the Smew, or 

 White Nun, the Hooded Merganser is the handsomest of 

 its family. Its broad and rounded crest of pure white, with 

 an edging of jetty black, and which it closes or spreads out 

 at pleasure, renders the male of this species conspicuous on 

 the waters to which it resorts. The activity of its motions, 

 the rapidity of its flight, and its other habits, contribute to 

 render it a pleasing object to the student of nature, not less 

 than to the sportsman. Its flesh, however, has a fishy 

 taste and odour, although it is relished by some persons. 

 It seems to prefer fresh water, and is by no means very 

 frequent along the sea-coast. Long, narrow, and moderately 

 deep creeks, or small ponds, are more frequented by it than 

 large rivers or lakes. On the waters of the western and 

 southern States, these Mergansers are seen to arrive from 

 the north early in October, but, generally, later than many 

 species of Ducks, although sooner than either the Eed- 

 breasted Merganser or the Goosander. At the approach of 

 night, a person standing still on the banks of a river, as the 

 Ohio, first hears the well-known sound of wings whistling 

 through the air ; presently after, a difierent noise, as if 

 produced by an Eagle stooping on her prey, when, gliding 

 downwards with the rapidity of an arrow, he dimly perceives 

 the Hooded Mergansers sweeping past. Five or six, perhaps 

 ten, there are ; with quick beats of their pinions, they fly 

 low over the waters in wide circles. Now they have spied 

 the entrance of a creek ; they shoot into it, and in a few 

 seconds you hear the rushing noise which they make, as 

 they alight on the bosom of the still pool. Up the creek 

 they proceed, washing their bodies by short plunges, and 

 splashing the water about them. Now they dive for 

 minnows, which they find in abundance, and which no doubt 

 prove delicious food to the hungry travellers. At length, 

 having satisfied their appetite, they rise on wing, fly low 

 over the creek with almost incredible velocity, return to the 

 broad stream, rove along its margin until they meet with a 



