254 Mr. Peabody on the 
the goosander as breeding in Massachusetts, and en- 
titled to be set down as a constant resident within 
our bounds. 
The Rep-sreastep Mereanser, Mergus serrator, 
is another resident in the north, which, when the 
waters there are sealed with ice, comes to the United 
States in search of food. Wilson speaks of it as 
brought to the Philadelphia market, from the banks 
of the Delaware, and as much more common than 
the preceding in the United States. Like the former, 
it has an extensive breeding range, its nests having 
been found in the rank weeds on the borders of lakes, 
in Maine and on Lake Michigan. 
The Hoopen Mereanser, Mergus cucullatus, is 
a northern bird, found at the utmost limits of the 
fur countries, and one of the last to quit those deso- 
late regions, when the frost makes it impossible for 
them to remain, by cutting off their supplies of food. 
In the winter, it ranges through the United States, 
and is found on the ocean and the inland waters. 
Some of them remain through the breeding season, 
and resort to the lakes, making nests of withered 
grass and feathers, on their grassy borders. These 
appear to be their favorite resorts, and those which 
frequent the seaside, do it from necessity rather 
than from choice. They are expert divers, and 
so quick in their motions, that they can take warn- 
ing from the flash of the pan, in time to avoid the 
shot of the gunner ; if they chance to be wounded, 
they escape under water, so that it is useless to 
