26 
both at sea and in inland rivers make terrible 
havoc among the finny tribe. Being most excel- 
lent divers they pursue their prey under the water 
with great rapidity and facility, but upon land, 
though the tail, which is furnished with strong 
feathers, assists them in walking, they are extremely 
awkward in their movements, in consequence of 
their legs being placed so far backwards. In China 
they are used for fishing, a ring or strap being 
fastened round the neck to prevent them swallow- 
ing the fish. During spring and the early part 
of summer the adult birds have a crest, of which 
they are destitute in winter. The eggs are four 
or five in number, and of a bluish green colour. 
CORMORANT, GREEN. 
SHAG, OR CRESTED SHAG. 
Cargo cristatus, Selby. 
Ts less than the last species, and may be easily 
distinguished from the Common Cormorant by its 
green colour. Itis as greedy and voracious, and 
frequents the same localities, but never quits the 
sea. The adult Shag, as well as the Common Cor- 
morant, is provided during spring and summer 
with a crest, which disappears in winter. The 
young birds are destitute of this omament. 
Crested birds of this species are often found asso- 
