268 REPTILES AND BIRDS. 



in a semi-domestic state in certain parts of Eastern Asia. The Chi- 

 nese and Japanese are the nations who best know how to utilise their 

 habits. When thus used a ring is placed round their necks to prevent 

 them swallowing the captures they make. Trained to obey their 

 master's voice, and balked in their attempts to swallow by the ring 

 round the neck, they bring to their owner all fish they take. Sir 

 George Stanton, in his embassy to China, having reached Len-tze, 

 famed for its breed of these birds, found them to be a species some- 

 what resembling the Common Cormorant. They are described by 

 Dr. Shaw as a brown Cormorant with white throat, the body whitish 

 beneath, spotted with brown, the tail rounded, irides blue, and bill 

 yellow, which he named Phalacrocorax sinensis. " On a large lake," 

 Sir George says, " close to this part of the canal, and to the eastward 

 of it, are thousands of small boats and rafts, built entirely for this 

 species of fishery. On each boat or raft are ten or a dozen birds, 

 which, at a signal from the owner plunge into the water ; and it is 

 astonishing to see the enormous size of fish with which they return. 

 They appeared to be so well trained that it did not require either 

 ring or cord round their necks to prevent them swallowing their prey, 

 except when they received the permission of their master to do so, 

 as an encouragement for their labours." 



The dexterity with which the Cormorant seizes its prey is such 

 that if a dead fish is thrown into the water from a distance, the bird 

 will dive immediately, pursuing its course in a direct line to the spot, 

 never failing to secure it, even before it reaches the bottom. On 

 shore the Cormorant is a dull heavy bird, and it is only in water, 

 and especially while fishing, that it appears to advantage. Now on 

 the surface, next moment below, onward it plunges, with impetuous 

 velocity ; then rising suddenly in some unexpected spot after a 

 lengthened dive, it is certain to have the unfortunate fish in its bill. 



Another peculiarity which belongs to this species is common with 

 many other aquatic birds — that of violently beating the water with 

 its wings without moving from the spot, followed by a vigorous shak- 

 ing of the whole body, with the feathers ruffled, and at the same time 

 covering itself with water. After repeating this several times, with 

 short intervals of rest, it will retire to an elevated place on shore, 

 where it will remain with outspread wings until dry. 



The flight of these birds is rapid and lasting ; but they are as 

 heavy and awkward when on land as they are nimble and active in 

 the water. Their nature being unsuspicious and trustful, they can be 

 easily approached, particularly when resting after their fishing exertions. 



The Cormorant is widely diffused both in the Old and New 



