98 FRANK forester's FIELD SPORTS. 



fish. There was a singular hard expansion at the commence- 

 jnent of the windpipe, and another much larger, about three- 

 quarters of an inch above, where it separates into the two lobes 

 of the lungs ; this last was larger than a Spanish hazel nut, flat 

 on one side, and convex on the other. The protuberance on 

 each side of the bill communicated with the nostril, and was 

 hollow. All these were probably intended to contain supplies 

 of air for the bird's support while under water ; the last may 

 also protect the head from the sharp edges of the shells." 



THE AMERICAN SCOTER. 



Fuligula Americana. — Vulgo, Coot. 



This bird is abundant along the Atlantic coasts during the 

 winter, from the gulf of the St. Lawrence to the mouths of the 

 Mississippi. It is never seen inland. Breeds in Labrador. 

 Like the two last named varieties, its flesh is worthless. Mr. 

 Giraud thus describes it, briefly, among the birds of Long Is- 

 land, where it is known, like the Velvet and Surf Ducks, as a 

 Coot, to which bird, be it observed, it has no affinity, and bears 

 no resemblance. 



" Specific Character. — Bill reddish-orange, paler at the sides 

 and tip ; a patch of black at the sides of the base of the upper 

 mandible, where it is very broad and high; nostrils large, per- 

 fectly free and arched ; the upper part of the upper mandible 

 as far as the nostrils, same color and very broad. Length nine- 

 teen inches, wing nine. Female smaller, and with the protu- 

 berance at the base much less ; upper parts brownisli-l)lack ; 

 lower parts lighter. 



" This is also one of the * Coots.' It passes its time at sea, 

 and subsists by fishing, frequently associating with the Velvet 

 and Surf Ducks. Like all other divers, it is often caught by 

 becoming entangled in the fishermen's nets. In the Eastern 

 States, it is known by the name of ' Butter Bill.' " 



