THE LOON. 



When the water is clear enough to admit of it, it is a delight to watch the air- 

 bubbles which cling to the diver in the translucent depths, like a silvery coat 

 of mail, and which he shakes off only upon emerging at the surface again. 



In singular contrast to the Loon's facility and grace in the water, is its 

 behavior upon land. Since its feet are placed so far back, it must stand nearly 



upright, Penguin fashion, and its walk 



an County. 



A BIT FROM THE LOON'S SKETCH-BOOK. 



is an awkward, shuffling gait ; or else, as is more likely to be the case, the 

 bird flounders along on all fours. It is said not to be able to take wing from 

 the ground. In rising from the water the diver must have considerable space 

 in which to get under way, first by rapid floundering, then by running upon 

 the water, patting the surface with its great webs, until the wings have at- 

 tained a proper motion. Once started, the Loon's flight is swift and powerful, 

 the wings accomplishing by rapid vibration what they lack in expanse. In 

 alighting there is no graceful moderation of flight, but the bird circles about a 

 chosen spot with ill-restrained velocity and in seeming helplessness until it can 

 make up its mind to let go, when it plumps into the water like a spent meteor. 

 Because of its infirmity the Loon usually nests quite near the water's 

 edge, so that it may glide into the water unobserved at the approach of danger. 

 Because the eggs are of such a perfect mud-color themselves, there is little 



