2 4 2 



BACKBONED ANIMALS. 



the single egg is placed, 

 family of rabbits. 



The nest is often occupied by a 



VALUE. Auk and puffin leather, oil, and fur D 



Loons (Colymbzdce). The great northern diver or loon 

 {C. torquatus) is a familiar example, ranging throughout 

 the whole of North America. They dive with great skill, 

 and swim under water a quarter of a mile, faster than a 

 man can row ; are good fliers, but move slowly on land. 

 The Grebes (PodicipiticUK] are abundant in northern 

 America, and common in many countries ; they are dis- 

 tinguished by the structure of their feet ; the membrane, 

 instead of uniting the toes, being 

 cleft nearly to the base of the lat- 

 ter, forming membranous margins 

 (Fig. 281). The bill is long and 

 slender. The crested grebe (P. 

 cristatus] attains the length of about 

 twenty-four inches, and extent of 

 wings thirty-four. The head is or- 

 namented with a large double crest 

 of brown feathers. They frequent 

 the fresh-water lakes and streams, 

 and are powerful swimmers, often 

 remaining under water with the tip 

 of the bill exposed when pursued. 

 The nest is formed of rushes in the 



water, and often floats about. The eggs number from 

 two to seven, and the young follow the mother as soon as 

 hatched, olten taking refuge upon her back. 



NOTE. The nest of the Castanean grebe (P. cornutus), according 

 to Fouray, is a perfect raft, and is paddled about by the mother. 



The eared, horned, Western, and red-necked grebes are 

 American species. 



VALUE, Skin as fur, muffs, etc. 



FIG. 281. Foot of grebe 

 (Podiceps), showing 

 swimming membrane 

 on each toe. 



