BUFF-BREASTED MERGANSER. 389 



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 foremost, then dives for 

 more. So deeply does it swim, that on such occasions 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 procuring 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 exhibits 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 experienced 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 sunshine, 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. As to the dog, we need him not; 

 so lie thee down, Baron, until I return. I was alwa)^s fond of "paddling my 

 own canoe," and I never met with a single accident so long as I managed it 

 myself; but on more occasions than one I have been turned out as gently as 

 one turns himself in bed, and having put the frail bark to rights, have 

 assisted the awkward fellow who had caused the disaster, dived for his gun 

 and my own, and conducted him to the camp to dry his garments. There- 

 fore, be quiet, and fear nothing. How smooth and silvery, are the pure 

 waters, how beautiful those tall trees! The dogwood is in full bloom, so are 

 the maples, whose rich red blossoms cluster on the twigs. Here we are just 

 entering the rushes of this little island. Get out, and wade to the shore with 

 all possible gentleness; or allow me to do so; for to lighten our slight bark, 

 one of us must get into the water. Softly we advance as I pull the canoe 

 by the bow; but now, squat, for here are tracks of the Goosander. There 

 now lies the female close before us. She thinks we have not seen her, for 



