174: AUDUBON THE NATURALIST. 



in never selects sojourning places where it is 

 debarred the means of escape from its enemies. 



Thus it never frequents a pool completely 

 enclosed by trees. Preferring the most im- 

 penetrable morasses, it lurks amidst the topmost 

 boughs of some trees growing from out a pond 

 in its centre, as in this commanding situation, it 

 is the better enabled to perceive the approach 

 of an enemy. In securing its prey, it never 

 plunges from an eminence, though sometimes it 

 drops silently into the water, but only for the 

 purpose of swimming, and afterwards diving for 

 booty. Invariably it returns to the same roost- 

 ing places, generally on the shore of a stream, or 

 else directly over the water. 



To these retreats it hastens after feeding, 

 where basking in the sun, it stands erect, its 

 long wings and large fan-like tail extended, 

 throwing out its slender head and neck in the 

 most curious manner, with sudden jerks, while 

 with its beautiful bright eyes it glances around. 

 The anhinga is a very expert diver, plunging, 

 and instantly disappearing so lightly as not even 

 to cause a ripple on the surface. Though usually 

 but partially emerged when swimming, on the 

 least alarm it sinks further, so as to hide itself 

 from sight. From the peculiar motions of its 

 head and neck, which cause it to resemble the 

 form of a snake, it takes its name. 



