172 AUDUBON THE NATURALIST. 
often to probe the sand to the full length of its 
bill, This weapon, too, it ingeniously insinu- 
ates between the shell like a chisel; in this 
manner seizing and devouring the oysters 
which are found in shallow waters. Some- 
times it dashes the shell against the sand, until 
broken, and thus the contents are obtained. 
Swimming for yards at a time, it catches up 
shrimps and:crabs, and may be seen patting the 
sand, to force out the insects which it greedily 
swallows. 
It does not form any regular nest, but merely 
scratches the sand till a hollow is formed, where 
the eggs are deposited. On these, during the 
heat of the sun, it does not sit. Sometimes, 
however, when laid on the bare rock, as found 
on the coast of Labrador, and the bay-of Fun- 
dy, the bird broods in the fashion of others 
of the feathered species. It must not be cen- 
sured as entirely careless of its young, as it 
always seeks for places in which to deposit its 
eges, spots covered with fragments of shells, or 
sea weeds, in order that they may be hidden, 
Should it be molested when sitting, moreover, 
it screams loudly, at the same time flying over 
and around the enemy, so as to evince the 
utmost solicitude. 
Equally interesting, from its curious habits, ia 
the anhinga or snake bird. In the most secluded 
