150 ANHINGA OR SNAKE-BIRD. 
entered the cove by passing between the branches of low trees, over- 
hung by others of great height. The first object that attracted my 
attention was a female Anhinga perched on the opposite side of the 
cove, and, as I did not wish that it should be shot, we merely advanced 
towards it, when it began to throw its head about, and watch our 
motions. The place was small, and the enclosing trees high. Though 
it might have flown upwards and escaped, it remained perched, but 
evidently perturbed and apprehensive of danger. When the boat was 
at a short distance, however, it suddenly threw itself backward, cutting 
a somerset as it were, and, covered by the branches, darted straight 
through the tangled forest, and was soon out of sight. Never before 
nor since have I seen or heard of Anhingas flying through the woods. 
For the following description of the Snake-bird’s breeding grounds, 
a few miles distant from Charleston in South Carolina, I am indebted 
to my friend Jonn Bacuman :—“ On the 28th of June 1837, accom- 
panied by Dr Witson, Dr Drayton, and Witiiam Ramsay, Esq,, I 
went to Chisholm Pond, about seven miles from the city, for the pur- 
pose of seeing the Anhingas while breeding. The day was fine, and 
in about an hour our horses brought us to the margin of the swamp. 
We soon discovered a bird flying over us, and making for the upper 
part of the pond toward a retired place, rendered almost inaccessible 
in consequence of its being a morass overgrown with vines and rushes. 
As there was no other way of examining their locality but by water, 
we hauled ashore a small leaky canoe which we found in the pond, 
caulked it in the best manner we could, so as to render it not unsafe, 
although after all we could do to it, we found it still very leaky. It 
proved uncomfortable enough, and could hold only two persons. So it 
was agreed that I should proceed in it, accompanied by a servant, who 
understood well how to paddle it. 
“The pond is artificial, and such as in this country is called a “ Re- 
serve.” It is situated at the upper part of rice fields, and is intended 
to preserve water sufficient, when needed, to irrigate and overflow the 
rice. It is studded with small islands, covered by a thick growth of 
a small species of Laurel (Laurus geniculata) and the Black Willow 
(Salix nigra), all entangled by various species of Smilax and other 
plants. ‘These were at the time covered with Herons’ nests of several 
kinds. Farther on the Night Herons also had formed a city. As I 
proceeded onwards in my search I found the difficulties increasing. 
