BRITISH BIRDS. 331 



bidden the use of all animal food except fish; but 

 these birds, and a few others of the same fishy 

 flavour, have been exempted from the interdict, on 

 the supposition of their being cold-blooded, and 

 partaking of the nature offish. 



The Scoters seldom quit the sea, upon which 

 they are very nimble, and are indefatigable expert 

 divers ; but they fly heavily, near the surface of the 

 water, and to no great distance, and are said to 

 walk awkwardlv erect on the land. 



