BLACK DUCK. 327 



cream; whole plumage a shining black, marked on the crown 

 and hind head with two triangular spaces of pure white; the 

 plumage on both these spots is shorter and thinner than the 

 rest; legs and feet blood red; membrane of the webbed feet 

 black, the primary quills are of a deep dusky brown. 



On dissection the gullet was found to be gradually enlarged 

 to the gizzard, which was altogether filled with broken shell 

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

 ment 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 female is altogether of a sooty brown, lightest about the 

 neck; the prominences on the bill are scarcely observable and 

 its colour dusky. 



This species was also found by captain Cooke at Nootka 

 Sound, on the north-west coast of America. 



