1S6 THE CORMORANT. 



he happens to strike a fish near the tail, he gives it a 

 toss into the air, catches it again with dexterity, and 

 then swallows it head foremost. 



Travellers tell us that in many parts of China, 

 Cormorants are educated, and trained to fishing, as 

 dogs are trained to hunting in other countries, and 

 that they are under such good discipline, that one 

 man can manage a hundred of them at a time. 



The fisherman carries them out into the lake, or 

 other fishing place, perched on the sides of his boat, 

 where they continue quiet, in expectation of his orders 

 to begin the sport. When arrived at the proper place, 

 he gives them a signal, or word of command, when 

 they all fly different ways, each one to fulfil his task. 

 It is said to be very pleasant, at this time, to witness 

 the sagacity with which they portion out, among 

 themselves, the different parts of the fishing ground, 

 each one taking the part assigned him, without intru- 

 ding on that of another. 



They fly about over the water with great swiftness, 

 and hunt with as much eagerness as a pack of hounds. 

 They dive, rise again, and again plunge into the water, 

 and do not give up the pursuit until the fish is caught, 

 when they do not fail to carry it directly to their mas- 

 ter, who sits waiting for them in his boat. If any bird 

 happens to seize a fish, which is too heavy for him to 

 carry, the next flies to his help, and gives him a lift, 

 one taking it by the head, and the other by the tail, 

 and in this manner, they carry it to the boat. 



Having delivered their fish, they sit for a few mo- 

 ments on some part of the boat, and then again go in 

 search of another. When tired, they are permitted 



