COLYMBID^. 247 



generally described as an inhabitant of the ocean, we seldom 

 observed it either in the Arctic sea or Hudson's Bay ; but 

 it abounds in all the interior lakes, where it destroys vast 

 quantities of fish. It is rarely seen on land, its limbs being 

 ill- fitted for walking, though admirably adapted to its aquatic 

 habits. It can swim with great swiftness, and to a very 

 considerable distance, under the water ; and when it comes 

 to the surface, it seldom exposes more than the neck. It 

 takes wing with difficulty, flies heavily, though swiftly, 

 and frequently in a circle round those who intrude on 

 its haunts. Its loud and very melancholy cry, like the 

 howling of the wolf, and at times like the distant scream 

 of a man in distress, is said to portend rain. Its flesh is 

 dark, tough, and unpalatable. We caught several of these 

 birds in the fishing-nets, in which, they had entangled them- 

 selves in the pursuit of fish." Sir William Jardine says : 

 " We have never been able to come up with this bird on the 

 water, and all the exertions of our rowers could not gain one 

 yard upon it ; but it is sometimes taken in nets, and at set 

 lines/' It incubates by the fresh-water lakes, near the 

 water, and lays probably two eggs, or perhaps at times three, 

 which are large, and of a brownish-green colour with grey 

 and dark-brown spots. 



