392 DIVERS. 



preceding, and though frequent near the shores of Hudson 

 Bay, is seldom seen in the interior of the fur countries. It 

 abounds in the northern parts of Europe, Norway, Sweden, 

 and Denmark, and in the inland lakes of Siberia, especially 

 those of the Arctic regions ; it is also seen in Iceland, Green- 

 land, and the Faroe Isles. It is held in superstitious regard 

 by the Norwegians, who believe its cry to portend rain. The 

 skins of this and other species, being tough and impervious 

 to wet, are used by the Indians and Esquimaux, as well as 

 by the Norwegians, for articles of dress. 



The Arctic Diver is an autumnal and winter bird of passage 

 in England, Germany, and Holland, more rare upon the in- 

 terior lakes of France, but common upon those of Switzer- 

 land. It lives on fish, frogs, insects, and aquatic plants, and 

 nests in the reeds and herbage upon the borders of lakes and 

 in marshes, preferring those which are much intersected by 

 waters : it is said to lay two eggs, which are brown, marked 

 with scattered black spots. 



The Black-throated Loon is somewhat uncommon everywhere 

 within its range, but is especially rare on this eastern side of the 

 Atlantic. It breeds in the Far North, and in winter has been found 

 as far south as the Bay of Fundy. 



This is a rather solitary bird, though occasionally two or three 

 pairs breed on the same lake, but rarely associate. In the migra- 

 tion small flocks are sometimes met with. 



