GREAT NORTHERN DIVER 503 
by diving, disappearing under the water like a flash, yet so 
quietly that the surface where it went down is only faintly 
marked with ripples. Its sub-marine course is very uncer- 
tain; I have scores of times seen it reappear fully a hundred 
yards in the opposite direction to that in which it descended. 
Thus a bird heading due north will dive in front of the bow 
of a boat and perhaps come up astern swimming in a ‘ bee- 
line’ south.' The length of time during which if can remain 
under water is remarkable. A limit of ten minutes has been 
given by some writers; personally I have been unable to 
verify this statement. 
Fic. 60.—GREAT NORTHERN DIVER. 
The Great Northern Diver has often been captured in 
fishing-nets; at other times it has been made prisoner 
in its endeavours to escape from being stranded in the 
shallows of bays and channels.” It sometimes uses its wings 
as propelling organs under water, thereby differing from the 
'This observation has taught me that one has, on the whole, a better 
chance of securing a specimen if he bring his boat to a stand-still 
directly the bird dives. A sharp look out must be kept for its reappear- 
ance, and the shot must then be fired immediately, for if the bird rises 
near the sportsman and sights him, it will instantly disappear. 
* Tn water, insufficiently deep to swim or dive, I have seen this bird 
stand quite erect as though puzzled at the behaviour of the fast receding 
tide. 
