274 THE PENGUIN KIND. 



Near the isle of Anglesea, in an islet called Priesholm, 

 where their flocks may be compared to swarms of bees, 

 they frequently take possession of the rabbits burrows 

 to save themselves the trouble of digging their own 

 holes. From these deep hiding-places the inhabitants 

 contrive to take them, either by digging to the bottom, 

 or dragging them out with a hooked stick ; for though 

 they feed entirely upon fish and sea-weed, yet when 

 pickled with high spices, they are considered as a treat. 



Before we describe the third division of water-fowls, 

 it may not be improper to observe, that there is one 

 species of the round-billed kind that is difficult to de- 

 termine in what class it is to take place, and this is the 

 goosecander ; a bird with the body and wings shaped 

 like the penguin's, though the legs are very differently 

 made. It may easily be distinguished by the bill, which 

 is round, hooked at the point, and the under and upper 

 chap toothed like a saw : its colours are various, and very 

 beautiful ; and, like the heron, it builds its nest among 

 trees: it is allowed to be an excellent diver, and seems 

 to form a shade between the penguin and the goose. 



BIRDS OF THE GOOSE KIND, PROPERLY SO CALLED. 



The swan, the goose, and the duck, are leaders of a 

 numerous and useful tribe of birds, that have been re- 

 claimed from a state of nature, and taught to live in 

 dependence upon man. No bird makes a more indif- 

 ferent figure upon land, or a more beautiful one in the 

 water, than the swan : when it ascends from its favourite 

 element, its motions are awkward, and its neck is 

 stretched forward with a stupid air; but when it is seen 

 smoothly sailing along the stream, commanding a thou- 

 sand graceful attitudes, moving at pleasure without the 

 smallest effort, when it " proudly rows its state (as Mil- 



