216 
ZOOLOGY, 
more than in other birds by a large number of much sub- 
divided air-cells under the skin of the body. 
The pelican is remarkable for the large, loose pouch on 
the under jaw, capable of holding several quarts, or several 
hundred small fishes. In the East Indies, pelicans are 
tamed and used by the natives in fishing, as is the cor- 
morant in China, while in early times it was in England. 
The cormorants are very gregarious, and breed in great 
numbers in the northern regions on cliffs overhanging the 
Fig. 254.— Sooty Albatross. 
sea. Their nests are rude and bulky. They feed mainly 
upon fish, and are notoriously voracious. The common 
cormorant or shag {Graculus carlo) breeds in great num- 
bers in Labrador and Newfoundland. It is glossy greenish 
black in summer, with numerous white plumes on the head 
and neck. 
The darter, snake bird, or anhinga {Plohis anJiinga) is 
common in the South Atlantic and Gulf States; it has a 
long snake-like neck, and can swim a long distance under 
water. The gannet or solan goo^Q {Sidaiassana) breeds in 
