INDIAN DUCKS AND THEIR ALLIES. D1 
In most countries the Goosander is nearly as much a salt-water as 
a fresh-water frequenter, but here in India it seems to be essentially 
a fresh-water species, and the only record of its having been shot in the 
sea, within our limits, that I can find is that of Mr, Aitken. In 
the Persian Gulf, however, it has been frequently obtained, and 
possibly closer search on our extreme north-western coasts might 
produce more birds. 
lt haunts the larger streams and rivers, keeping to such as have a 
distinct current and clear water, avoiding the more sluggish dirty 
rivers with muddy bottoms. From what observers have noted the 
Goosander likes, rather than dislikes, a rough current, and in the same 
way they do not appear to be at all troubled by a rough sea; thus 
Dresser notes meeting a flock in the sea near Guernsey which was in 
water rough enough to make the steamer he was in, dip its paddle boxes 
alternately into the water. 
Lakes and still water are not frequented when clear running rivers 
are adjacent, but sometimes the Goosander may be found on such, 
though in these cases the water will invariably be found to be free of 
much vegetation and fairly clean and clear. 
It is quite at home in the rough tumbling hill streams which it 
frequents in its summer home and will there be found swimming and 
diving at its ease with or against the roughest and quickest of rapids or 
floating idly in some deep pool. 
In such places as these the Goosander may be sometimes surprised, 
the well-wooded banks allowing of a near approach and screening the 
stalker, until he actually debouches on the edge of the bank itself. As 
a rule, however, the Goosander is one of the wariest and wildest of birds, 
and this whether on salt or fresh water. Should he consider that 
danger is coming too near, his wonderful powers of swimming are at 
once called into action to place him out of danger ; if hard pressed he 
resorts to diving, at which very few birds can surpass him, though he 
is said not to equal the Smew in this respect. It is, however, only as 
a last resource that he takes to wing, for, though once wel] up and 
away, his flight is strong and comparatively swift, he takes long to rise 
off the water, and a long time to get properly under weigh. They rise 
very obliquely, spattering along the top of the water some yards before 
clearing it, and even then going some further distance before mounting 
