THE CRANE KIND. ISO 



ihe scolloped fringe of the toes, may this bird be easily distinguished 

 irom all others. 



AF they are thus, from the shortness of their wings, ill formed for 

 flying, and from the uncommon shortness of their legs, utterly unfit- 

 ted for walking, they seldom leave the water, and chiefly frequent 

 those broad shallow pools where their faculty of swimming can be 

 turned to the greatest advantage, in fishing and seeking their prey. 



They are chiefly, in this country, seen to frequent the meres of 

 Shropshire and Cheshire ; where they breed among reeds and flags, 

 in a floating nest, kept steady by the weeds of the margin. The fe- 

 male is said to be a careful nurse of its young, being observed to feed 

 them most assiduously with small eels ; and when the little brood is 

 tired, the mother will carry them either on her back or under her 

 wings. This bird preys upon fish, and is almost perpetually diving 

 It does not show much more than the head above water ; and is very 

 difficult to be shot, as it darts down on the appearance of the least 

 danger. It is never seen on land ; and, though disturbed ever so 

 often, will not leave that lake, where alone, by diving and swimming, 

 it can find food and security. It is chiefly sought for the skin of its 

 breast, the plumage of which is of a most beautiful silvery white, and 

 as glossy as satin. This part is made into tippets ; but the skins are 

 out of season about February, losing their bright colour ; and in 

 breeding-time their breasts are entirely bare. 



