OUTDOORS 



The loon adds to the picturesque charm of 

 these lakes, but, unfortunately for his love of 

 peace, he is not allowed to pursue the even 

 tenor of his way in quiet. The taxidermist 

 covets him, shoots him, and mounts him on 

 a board. But the taxidermist cannot repro- 

 duce the framing of water, shore, sky, and 

 woodland which completes the picture, so the 

 stuffed and mounted loon of the glass case 

 exhibit is the most patent of frauds. And 

 therein taxidermy always fails. Fortunately 

 for himself, the loon is a marvellous diver 

 and swimmer, and at the report of a gun he 

 will dart down and out of danger in almost 

 every instance before a bullet reaches him. 

 His poise and motion while on the water are 

 graceful and strong. In the air he is clumsy 

 but effectual. In fifteen years' experience 

 around the lakes I have yet to see one on 

 land. But they must be as awkward as pen- 

 guins when they attempt to walk. 



One of the most remarkable things about 

 the loon is his call, or cry. To the super- 

 stitious it is appalling, and to every one it is 

 one of the most grewsome sounds in nature. 

 It is a kind of cackling, maniacal laughter, ris- 

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