THE CORMORANT. J61 



THE CORMORANT. {Phalacrocoraa, carlo.) 

 The Cormorant, or Corvorant, weighs about seven pounds, 

 ind is nearly the same size as a goose. The head and nect 

 are of a sooty blackness, and the body is thick and heavy, 

 more inclining in figure to that of the goose than the gull. 

 Its distinguished character, however, consists in its toes 

 being united by membranes, and by the middle toe being 

 notched, like a saw, to assist it in holding its fishy prey. 



On the approach of winter, these birds are seen dispersed 

 along the sea-shore, and ascending the mouths of rivers, 

 carrying destruction to all the finny tribe, as they are 

 remarkably voracious, and have such a quick digestion that 

 their appetite appears completely insatiable. Their intestines 

 being thronged with small worms may, perhaps, contribute 

 to their insatiable craving for food. The^ build their nests 

 on the highest parts of the cliffs that overhang the sea ; and 

 the female usually lays three or four eggs about the size of 

 those of the goose, and of a pale green colour. 



In China these birds are bred up tame, for the purposes 

 of fishing, and one man can easily manage a hundred of 

 them. When a fisherman intends to fish, he carries Ihem 

 out into the lake, perched on the gunnel of his boat, wherej 

 they continue tranquil, and expect his orders with patience. 

 When arrived at the proper place, each flies a different 

 way, on a given signal, to fulfil the task assigned it : and it 

 « very pleasant on this occasion to behold with what 



