190 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS. 



Where the ocean is heard in tumultuous roar, 



The Guillemots came from some bold, rocky shore. 



foot, weighs between six and seven ounces; length ten inches. 

 The general colour of this bird is a rusty black ; it varies how- 

 ever occasionally in its plumage. It is the least and most plen- 

 tiful species of the genus, being common in most lakes, slow- 

 rivers, small streams, and even fish-ponds of this country. It 

 seldom takes wing, but dives on the least alarm, remaining un- 

 der water, with its bill only above for respiration, for a long 

 time. Nest similar to other grebes, but usually fastened to 

 the reeds. In the spring the males emit a shrill chattering 

 noise. This bird is found in most parts of the old continent, 

 and also in some parts of America. See the Introduction. 

 4)ra\ton has well described this bird : 



" And in a creek where waters least did stir, 

 Set from the rest the nimble Divedopper, 

 That comes and goes so quickly and so oft, 

 As seems at once both under and aloft/' 



Man in the Moon. 



In concluding ihis note, I cannot avoid noticing the singular 

 confusion which prevails among naturalists in regard to the 

 nomenclature of this genus of birds. I have not been enabled 

 to clear up the difficulties which beset me. I find two diffe- 

 rent species named Colymbus cristatus and Colymbus minor; 

 these errors I have copied, nor can I explain them satisfac- 

 torily : a proof, if any proof were wanting, that a master mind 

 in the science of ornithology is still a desideratum, and a 

 convincing proof also of the propriety of the course which I 

 have adopted in this poem in not admitting scientific terms into 

 the text. Whether the quinary arrangement mentioned in the 

 Introduction may ultimately dissipate these clouds in the scien- 

 tific ornithological horizon, is a question still remaining to be 

 decided. 



