THE GREBE^ 359 



among them but as it resembles those above described, in the 

 peculiar form of its toes, and bears some similitude in its manners 

 also, I will for once sacrifice method to brevity. The grebe is 

 much larger than either of the former, and its plumage white 

 and black ; it differs also entirely in the shortness of its legs, 

 which are made for swimming, and not walking : in fact, they 

 are from the knee upward hid in the belly of the bird, and have 

 consequently very little motion. By this mark, and by the scol- 

 loped fringe of the toes, may this bird be easily distinguished 

 from all others. 



As they are thus, from the shortness of their wings, ill formed 

 for flying, and from the uncommon shortness of their legs utterly 

 unfitted for walking, they seldom leave the water, and chiefly 

 frequent those broad shallow pools where their faculty of swim- 

 ming can be turned to the greatest advantage, in fishing and 

 seeking their prey. 



They are chiefly, in this country, seen to frequent the meres 

 of Shropshire and Cheshire, where they breed among reeds and 

 flags, in a floating nest, kept steady by the weeds of the margin. 

 The female is said to be a careful nurse of her young, being ob- 

 served to feed them most assiduously with small eels ; and when 

 the little brood is tired, the mother will carry them either on her 

 back or under her wings. This bird preys upon fish, and is almost 

 perpetually diving. It does not shew much more than the head 

 above water, and is very difficult to be shot, as it darts down on 

 the appearance of the least danger. It is never seen on land : and 

 though disturbed ever so often, will not leave that lake, where 

 alone, by diving and swimming, it can find food and security. 

 It is chiefly sought for the skin of its breast, the plumage of 

 which is of a most beautiful silvery white, and as glossy as satin. 

 This part is made into tippets ; but the skins are out of season 

 about Februaiy, losing their bright colour ; and in breeding- 

 time their breasts are entirely bare. 



