140 ANHINGA OR SNAKE-BIRD. 
roosted about two miles off, succeeding in establishing themselves 
among them. At such times they seldom sit very near each other, as 
Cormorants do, but keep at a distance of a few feet or yards, accord- 
ing to the nature of the branches. Whilst asleep, they stand with the 
body almost erect, but never bend the tarsus so as to apply it in its 
whole length, as the Cormorant does; they keep their head snugly 
covered among their scapulars, and at times emit a wheezing sound, 
which I supposed to be produced by their breathing. In rainy wea- 
ther they often remain roosted the greater part of the day, and on such 
occasions they stand erect, with their neck and head stretched up- 
wards, remaining perfectly motionless, as if to allow the water to glide 
off their plumage. Now and then, however, they suddenly ruffle their 
feathers, violently shake themselves, and again compressing their form, 
resume their singular position. 
Their disposition to return to the same roosting places is so decided 
that, when chased from their places of resort, they seldom fail to be- 
take themselves to them during the day; and in this manner they 
may easily be procured with some care. Whilst at Mr Butow’s, I 
was almost daily in the habit of visiting a long, tortuous, bayou, many 
miles in extent, which at that season (winter) was abundantly sup- 
plied with Anhingas. ‘There the Otter, the Alligator, and many spe- 
cies of birds, found an ample supply of food; and as I was constantly 
watching them, I soon discovered a roosting place of the Snake-Birds, 
which was a large dead tree. I found it impossible to get near them 
either by cautiously advancing in the boat, or by creeping among the 
briars, canes, and tangled palmettoes which profusely covered the 
banks. I therefore paddled directly to the place, accompanied by 
my faithful and sagacious Newfoundland dog. At my approach the 
birds flew off towards the upper parts of the stream, and as I knew that 
they might remain for hours, I had a boat sent after them with orders 
to the Negroes to start all that they could see. Dragging up my little 
bark, I then hid myself among the tangled plants, and, with my eyes 
bent on the dead tree, and my gun in readiness, I remained until I saw 
the beautiful bird alight and gaze around to see if all was right. Alas! 
it was not aware of its danger, but, after a few moments, during which 
I noted its curious motions, it fell dead into the water, while the re- 
verberations consequent on the discharge of my gun alarmed the birds 
