( 379 ) 



white markings on the lower part of the throat and on the sides of 

 the neck, the feathers forming this character are raised, giving it 

 a ribbed appearance ; lower parts white, with a band of dusky 

 crossing the vent ; under tail-coverts brownish-black, spotted with 

 white near the ends ; tail-covercs brownish-black, spotted with white 

 near the ends ; tail brownish-black ; upper tail-coverts black, 

 spotted with white ; upper parts and sides of the body black, spot- 

 ted with white — the spots on the scapulars much larger. Length 

 thirty-one inches, wing fourteen and a quarter. Young, upper 

 parts brown, the feathers margined with lighter ; sides dark brown^ 

 without spots ; sides of the neck streaked with dusky ; lower parts 

 white. 



The Great Northern Diver or Loon, as it is termed by the gun- 

 ners, seldom associates in flocks. During the Winter, singly or 

 in small parties, they are dispersed throughout the Union. This 

 cautious bird, as if knowing man to be its mortal enemy, is con- 

 stantly on the watch. When meeting a passing boat, it widens 

 the distance by immediately steering off — is active in diving — and 

 when sitting, defies the keenest sportsman. The Loon is a hardy 

 bird, and it is said lives to an incredible old age. A short time 

 since a specimen was killed on the eastern end of Long Island, in 

 which was found the head of an Indian pile, confined in the back 

 of the neck, between the bone and the skin. The wound was 

 completely healed, and had the appearance of having been made a 

 long time. This led to many conjectures. Some supposed that it 

 received this wound before the settlement of the country. Others 

 were of the opinion — which I think more probable — ^that during its 

 wanderings it had visited the far West, where the bow sends the 

 messenger of death. This species utters a melancholy moan, 

 which, when often repeated, is said to forebode a storm. Its flesh 

 is of no value, being tough and rank. Its skin is sometimes worn 

 by sailors, as well as by the " Greenlanders," in the place of caps. 

 The difference in the plumage between the adult and young bird is 

 so strongly marked, that I have occasionally had the former 

 brought to me by the gunners, they supposing it to be a rare bird. 

 I am inclined to think it does not appear in perfect plumage until 



