172 AUDUBON THE NATURALIST. 



often to probe tlie sand to the full length of its 

 bill. This weapon, too, it ingeniously insinu- 

 ates between the shell like a chisel; in this 

 manner seizing and devouring the oysters 

 which are found in shallow waters. Some- 

 times it dashes the shell against the sand, luitil 

 broken, and thus the contents are obtained. 

 Swimming for yards at a time, it catches up 

 shrimps and crabs, and may be seen patting the 

 sand, to force out the insects which it greedil}'' 

 swallows. 



It does not form any regular nest, but merely 

 scratches the sand till a hollow is formed, where 

 the eggs are deposited. On these, during the 

 heat of the sun, it does not sit. Sometimes, 

 however, when laid on the bare rock, as found 

 on the coast of Labrador, and the bay of Fun- 

 dy, the bird broods in the fashion of others 

 of the feathered species. It must not be cen- 

 sured as entirely careless of its young, as it 

 always seeks for places in which to deposit its 

 eggs, spots covered with fragments of shells, or 

 sea weeds, in order that they may be hidden. 

 Should it be molested when sitting, moreover, 

 it screams loudly, at the same time flying over 

 and around the enemy, so as to evince the 

 utmost sohcitude. 



Equally interesting, from its curious habits, is 

 the anhinga or snake bird. In the most secluded 



