GOOSANDER. NATATORES. MERGUS. 377 



a distinct species, under the title of Mergus castor ; even 

 our acute countryman MONTAGU seems to have adhered to 

 this opinion, and was unwilling to admit the conclusive de- 

 ductions of Mr SIMMONDS, drawn from minute anatomical 

 examination, which clearly proved their identity. This is 

 now, however, well established, and supported by the con- 

 current authority of TEMMINCK, WILSON, FLEMING, &c. ; 

 in addition to which I may be allowed to add, that I have 

 dissected several specimens in the plumage of M. castor ', 

 which proved to be males, possessing, in the form of the la- 

 byrinth and the two tracheal enlargements, the precise orga- 

 nization of the Goosander. I have also obtained individuals 

 in the intermediate state of plumage, or when they had be- 

 gun to acquire the characteristic markings of the adult 

 bird. The trachea, which measures nearly a foot in length, 

 becomes greatly enlarged about two inches below the larynx ; 

 and this dilatation (which is composed of alternating rings, 

 and much flattened) is upwards of two inches and a half 

 long. Below this, the tube is very much contracted, and 

 nearly circular for more than an inch, when it again becomes 

 enlarged, but not to the former extent ; after which it gra- 

 dually contracts, till its entrance into the lower larynx or la- 

 byrinth. This part consists of an orca, or enlargement of 

 the bony rings, and a large ear-shaped tympanum, exhibiting 

 three flattened surfaces, each covered with a fine parchment- 

 like membrane. The bronchi are distant from each other, the 

 one proceeding from the outer and lower part of the orca, the 

 other from the lower and central portion of the tympanum. 

 The Goosander is a bird of wild disposition, and very wary 

 habits, and from its dexterity and quickness in diving very 

 difficult to be shot. The flesh, from the fishy character of 

 its food, is ill-flavoured and oily. 



PLATE 57. represents the adult Male and the Female of the 

 natural size. 



