GOOSANDER. 263 
When rising from the water, whatever number may be in the flock, 
they all start together, paddle off with their feet and wings, stretching 
out their necks, and thus run as it were on the water to the dis- 
tance of twenty or thirty yards with great velocity, extending in a 
front, or following each other in a line, according to the extent of 
the space before them. They then gradually ascend to the height of the 
trees, and move off to some considerable distance, but often return to 
the same place. They seem to ascertain the fertility of the waters by 
sipping a little on their alighting, and then, having found appearances 
favourable, they open their bills, apparently to take a deep inspiration, 
and immediately dive. When they have procured a sufficiency of 
food, they betake themselves to some sand-bar, on which they repose 
until it is digested. 
The Goosander rises to the surface with the fish in its bill, and, 
shifting it about until it is in a proper position, swallows it head fore- 
most, then dives for more. So deeply does it swim, that on such occa- 
sions not more than a third of its body is seen on the surface ; and 
there is very little chance of shooting it, for it dives on seeing the flash, 
or even on hearing the click of the lock. The only chance of procur- 
ing one at such times is when, on coming to the surface, it stretches 
itself up and beats its wings If it is only wounded, it often exhi- 
bits great tenacity of life, and diving at once remains a long time 
in the water. On emerging, it is seen shaking its head violently, for 
the purpose of disgorging its food, and, perhaps, the blood that has 
flowed into its lungs ; and, on effecting this, it again plunges headlong. 
At length, you see it come to the surface, with its beautifully tinged 
breast upwards; but if your object be to obtain game, you will have 
little satisfaction in procuring a Goosander or any of its genus, for they 
are all fishy, oily, tough, and fitted for the palate of none but expe- 
rienced epicures. The food of the Goosander consists chiefly of fish, 
but also of bivalve shells, snails, leeches, aquatic lizards, crays, and 
frogs. 
Now, good Reader, Spring has once more gladdened the face of 
Nature, pearly drops hang on every leaf, glistening in the bright sun- 
shine, and thousands of gay insects flutter around. My light canoe is 
ready. Leap in, seat yourself snugly in the bow, and sit still while I 
paddle you to the green islands of this beautiful lake, where we shall 
probably find a Merganser or two, perhaps a female sitting on her eggs. 
