AMERICAN ANHINGA. 445 



succeeded in establishing themselves among them. At such times they 

 seldom sit very near each other, as Cormorants do, but keep at a distance of 

 a few feet or 3^ards, according to the nature of the branches. Whilst asleep, 

 they stand with the body almost erect, but never bend the tarsus so as to 

 apply it in its whole length, as the Cormorant does; they keep their head 

 snugly covered among their scapulars, and at times emit a wheezing sound, 

 which I supposed to be produced by their breathing. In rainy weather they 

 often remain roosted the greater part of the day, and on such occasions they 

 stand erect, with their neck and head stretched upwards, remaining perfectly 

 motionless, as if to allow the water to glide off their plumage. Now and 

 then, however, they suddenly ruffle their feathers, violently shake them- 

 selves, and again compressing their form, resume their singular position. 



Their disposition to return to the same roosting places is so decided that, 

 when chased from their places of resort, thejr seldom fail to betake them- 

 selves to them during the day; and in this manner they may easily be 

 procured with some care. Whilst at Mr. Bulow's, I was almost daily in 

 the habit of visiting a long, tortuous bayou, many miles in extent, which at 

 that season (winter) was abundantly supplied with Anhingas. There the 

 Otter, the Alligator, and many species of birds, found an ample supply of 

 food; and as I was constantly watching them, I soon discovered a roosting 

 place of the Snake-birds, which was a large dead tree. I found it impossible 

 to get near them either by cautiously advancing in the boat, or by creeping 

 among the briars, canes, and tangled palmettoes which profusely covered the 

 banks. I therefore paddled directly to the place, accompanied by my 

 faithful and sagacious Newfoundland dog. At my approach the birds flew 

 off towards the upper parts of the stream, and as I knew that they might 

 remain for hours, I had a boat sent after them with orders to the Negroes to 

 start all that they could see. Dragging up my little bark, I then hid myself 

 among the tangled plants, and, with my eyes bent on the dead tree, and my 

 gun in readiness, I remained until I saw the beautiful bird alight and gaze 

 around to see if all was right. Alas! it was not aware of its danger, but, 

 after a few moments, during which I noted its curious motions, it fell dead 

 into the water, while the reverberations consequent on the discharge of my 

 gun alarmed the birds around, and by looking either up or down the bayou 

 I could see many Anhingas speeding away to other parts. My dog, as 

 obedient as the most submissive of servants, never stirred until ordered, 

 when he would walk cautiously into the water, swim up to the dead bird, 

 and having brought it to me, lie down gently in his place. In this manner, 

 in the course of one day I procured fourteen of these birds, and wounded 

 several others. I may here at once tell you that all the roosting places of 

 the Anhinga which I have seen were over the water, either on the shore or 



