THE COMMON CORMORANT. 235 



The flight of this species is very rapid, and is performed 

 with quickly repeated beats of the comparatively small wings, 

 flying at a short distance from the water's edge, but per- 

 formed at a great height when over land. 



A favourite locality of this bird is the oyster-bed situated 

 on the north side of the Pigeon House Fort, where several 

 may be remarked feeding in close proximity, and in active 

 pursuit of their prey. Preparatory to diving, the body is 

 raised nearly erect, sometimes entirely out of the water, and 

 the plunge is performed with great velocity, and after a short 

 time comes to the surface. The size of the fish swallowed 

 by this bird is often almost incredible, which may be ex- 

 plained by the great dilatability of the oesophagus, and the 

 bill opening a considerable distance beyond the eye. 



The cormorant thrives well in confinement if supplied with 

 an abundance of food ; but as it possesses a peculiarity in not 

 knowing when it is satisfied, the expense attending it would 

 amount to a considerable sum. From an article published 

 by Mr. Glennon in the Dublin Penny Journal, and which 

 has since been copied into several ornithological works, we 

 are indebted for the present anecdote respecting those birds 

 in captivity : 



" Several years ago I took a pair of these birds from a nest 

 amongst the rocks of Howth, and kept them for nearly two 

 years, by which time they had attained their full growth. They 

 were pleasant pets enough, unless when pressed by hunger, 

 when they became outrageous and screamed most violently; 

 when satisfied with food, they slept, roosting on a large stone 

 trough placed for holding water. But woe to the man or 

 beast attempting to approach them when hungry. It hap- 

 pened once that a gentleman's servant went to look at them 

 while in this state : he wore a pair of red plush breeches that 

 immediately attracted the attention of the birds, which I had 

 been in the habit of feeding with livers and lights ; the con- 

 sequence was, they made such a furious attack that I had to 

 run to his assistance with a stick, and could not beat them 

 off without the greatest difficulty. Their attack on dogs, 

 cats, and poultry, if unprotected, was always fatal. They 

 fought at once with their bills, wings, and claws, screaming 

 frightfully all the time. In fact, the cause of my parting 

 with them was their having destroyed a fine Spanish pointer ; 

 he had incautiously strayed into the place where I kept them, 

 and they immediately flew at and attacked him in front and 

 rear ; his loud howling brought me to his aid, when I was 

 astonished to find they had got him down, and before I could 



