FEATHERED ATHLETES 69 



in sea-moss or weeds while returning to the sur- 

 face, they would die immediately. The Icelanders 

 used to catch ducks by means of baited nets spread 

 over the water. 



It is interesting to note the different methods 

 pursued by divers of the bird world in teaching 

 their young the profession. For instance, yoimg 

 penguins are not introduced to the water until they 

 have doffed their first baby suits of down. Then 

 they are led to the water's edge and crudely 

 pushed in. Usually the baby penguin is an ex- 

 pert at the first trial and a second lesson is unneces- 

 sary. But if he refuses to swim, and later to dive, 

 the stern mother and father push him under until 

 he gets accustomed to the water. 



Numerous water birds have too much plumage 

 to become skilled divers. Being wise, they rarely 

 attempt to dive, even when in great danger. 

 Among such birds may be noted the albatross, 

 swan, gull, phalarope, and many others. The peli- 

 can is too much like a balloon to dive successfully 

 — ^that is, the epidermis of his body is inflated with 

 air cells which make him too light. Each variety 

 of diver has a different kind of movement. A pro- 

 fessional swimmer, when he wishes to dive, digs the 

 water simultaneously with both his feet. Occa- 

 sionally he tumbles over head-first toward the water 



