1883.] 391 [Brewster. 



This Scoter was observed near Port Hood, among the Magda- 

 lens, at East Point (Anticosti), and along the North Shore. It 

 sometimes occurred singly, but oftener in flocks of from four or 

 five to thirty individuals. We obtained no proofs of its breeding 

 at any of the places visited by the expedition, but on the contrary 

 were assured everywhere that it does not nest to the westward of 

 Labrador proper. 



71. Mergus serrator, Linn. — Red-breasted Merganser. 



An abundant species of general distribution throughout the 

 Gulf. We were told that it breeds chiefly in the interior, in fresh- 

 water ponds and rivers, but I saw very young ducklings on salt- 

 water. The following paragraph taken from the notes which I 

 made at Ellis Bay, Anticosti, furnishes an instance of this, as well 

 as gives a glimpse at the bird in its summer home : — 

 • 



" The evening was delightful, and Gardiner and I improved it by taking 

 one of the boats and sailing about the bay. A soft land breeze stole over the 

 quiet water bringing the scent of flowers and spruces, the rich music of the 

 Fox Sparrow, the clamor of Yellow-legs, the barking notes of Herring and 

 Black-backed Gulls, and the occasional mournful cry of a Loon. Around 

 us great numbers of seals were playing ; some of them huge fellows who 

 breathed heavily like a man in pain as they thrust their grizzled heads 

 above the surface to take in air for another dive. But most interesting of 

 all was a female Sheldrake brooding her swarm of ducklings on an isolated 

 rock near the middle of the bay. We actually sailed within arm's length of 

 her before she took the alarm. There then was great commotion; the 

 young scattering in all directions and diving like Grebes ; the parent flutter- 

 ing along in front of the boat, half-running, half-flying, and croaking inces- 

 santly. But after we had withdrawn from the spot and all was quiet again, 

 she quickly called the brood together ; and a little later we saw them cross- 

 hair the bay — a cluster of dusky specks throwing out silvery ripples on the 

 smooth, black water." 



72. Sula bassana, Linn. — Gannet. 



A few Gannets were seen off the eastern shore of Nova Scotia and 

 others in the Gulf near Port Hood, but they did not become really 

 numerous until we reached the Magdalens. The shallow bays and 

 channels among these islands afford extensive, and in every way 

 favorable fishing-grounds, and hundreds of the birds were con- 

 stantly in sight, mingling with the still more numerous Terns and 

 Kittiwakes. Although a few Gannets are said to breed on Shag 



