234 ANATID^. 



The Surf Scoter, or Surf Duck, as it is sometimes 

 called, may be seen in the Gulf of St. Lawrence in great 

 numbers, and generally in the stormiest weather, cresting 

 the waves in evident enjoyment, but it is very difficult of 

 approach. 



The Velvet Scoter {Melanetta velvetina) which is 

 precisely similar to that, so well known on the eastern 

 and northern coasts of Scotland during the winter 

 months, is black, with a white band across the wing 

 and a small white spot under the eye. The bill 

 and legs are orange. The female is browner, and has 

 more white feathers than the male. 



The Eider (Somateria mollissima) is at times to be 

 seen in considerable numbers on the north shore of the 

 Gulf of St. Lawrence, but it breeds much further north. 



Though generally known only as furnishing the 

 valuable down which goes by its name, it is by no means 

 to be despised on the table, notwithstanding that it is 

 strictly a marine duck and is never met with inland. 



Its habits, and the mode of procuring the celebrated 

 down with which the nest is lined and filled, are too well 

 known to need repetition. The plumage and appearance 

 of the bird itself however may not be familiar to every 

 sportsman who may have the luck to kill one, and may 

 therefore be described, for there is a greater difference in 

 appearance between the male and female of this species 



