32 AKCTIC DUCK. 



ficult of approach. Nevertheless, with a little tact and ex- 

 perience, tolerably good sport may be obtained, and capital 

 rifle-practice at all times. Hardly any of the water-fowl 

 breed here. 



Every morning, at daybreak, myriads of flamingoes, peli- 

 cans, cormorants, &c., are seen moving from their roosting- 

 places in and about the bay, and flying in a northerly direc- 

 tion. About noon they begin to retmTi to the southern por- 

 tion of the bay, and continue arriving there, in an almost 

 continuous stream, until nightfall. 



The way in which the " duikers" (cormorants and shags) 

 obtain their food is not uninteresting. Instead of hovering 

 over their prey, as the gull, or waiting quietly for it in some 

 secluded spot, like the kingfisher, they make their attacks in 

 a noisy and exciting manner. Mr. Lloyd, in his " Scandina- 

 vian Adventures," has given a very interesting account of 

 the manner in which the Arctic duck (Jiarelda glacialis, 

 Steph.) procures its food ; and, as it applies to the birds 

 above named, I can not do better than quote him on the 

 subject. 



"The hareld is a most restless bird," says he, " and per- 

 petually in motion. It rarely happens that one sees it in a 

 state of repose during the daytime. The flock — for there 

 are almost always several in company — swim pretty fast 

 against the wind ; and the individuals comprising it keep up 

 a sort of race with each other. Some of the number are al- 

 ways diving; and, as these remain long under water, and 

 their comrades are going rapidly ahead in the mean while, 

 they are, of course, a good way behind the rest on their re- 

 appearance at the surface. Immediately on coming up, 

 therefore, they take wing, and, flying over the backs of their 

 comrades, resume their position in the ranks, or rather fly 

 somewhat beyond their fellows, with the object, as it would 

 seem, of being the foremost of the party. This frequently 

 continues across the bay or inlet, until the flock is " brought 



