THE NORTHERN DIVER. 487 



M. von Wright states, indeed, that only two came under his 

 observation during his abode at Oroust. It is rare also on 

 the coasts of the southern and more midland portions of 

 ScandinaVta ; but on those of northern Norway and Fin mark 

 it is by all accounts quite common. At times, according to 

 the same authority, it is found in the interior of Lapland ; 

 one having been shot near to Muonioniska, which is about 

 the 68 N. latitude. It very seldom makes its appearance on 

 the Danish coasts. 



The loud cries of this bird are said to cause a fearful echo 

 on the surrounding rocks, and to resemble those of a man 

 in peril of his life. Hence many idle superstitions. 



Pontoppidan gives a marvellous account of the Is-Lom. 

 " The immer, imbrim, ember, or the great northern diver, is 

 a pretty large sea-bird, a little bigger than a goose ; it has a 

 long neck, the upper part black, as well as the bill and feet ; 

 but from the breast downwards 'tis white; there are also 

 some white feathers at the extremity of the wings and tail. 

 The wings are so short, that they can hardly raise themselves 

 with them ; and the legs stand so far backwards, that they are 

 not so fit to walk with, as to paddle themselves along the 

 water. Hence arises that strange account in which everybody 

 agrees, that the imrner is never seen to come ashore except- 

 ing in the week before Christmas ; from whence the fourth 

 Sunday in Advent is called by the people in general Immer, 

 or, according to their way of expressing, Ommer-Sunday. 

 On inquiring how they find place and opportunity to hatch 

 their young, I have been informed they lay but two eggs, 

 which is very likely ; for one never sees more than two young 

 ones with them. Under their wings in their body, there 

 are two pretty deep holes, big enough to put one's fist in ; in 



