NTROCA NYROCA BAERI 277 



The bird was one of a flock of aljout a dozen or less, which we 

 sighted flying up-stream on the River Diyung, a mountain stream 

 consisting of rushing rapids and deep still pools of water in alterna- 

 tion. We followed them up and found the birds in a deep, but very 

 rapid narrow, which in one place widened out and made an eddying 

 pool on either side, in which the ducks were swimming. 



On our approach they got up, but Mr. Kennedy fired and knocked 

 one over ; it was only winged and fell into the torrent, leading us a 

 pretty dance before we eventually secured it. The great pace of the 

 water seemed to have no appreciable effect on it, either in diving or 

 in swimming, for it dashed backwards and forwards with the greatest 

 ease, kept long under water, and turned and twisted with great 

 agility. At last a snap-shot, as it showed itself for a moment, 

 brought it to hand. 



I remember the duck, though it must have been a very fully adult 

 male, had bright yellow irides. The bird was so rank and fishy 

 that we could not stand it on the table. 



Two of my collectors (Mahomedans), who had lived all their lives 

 in Cachar and Sylhet, said that this White-eye is a faster, stronger 

 bird on the wing than the Common White-eye, an equally good diver 

 and swimmer, and much more shy and wary. 



