mo 
IMMEK GOOSE. 
to fly. They are more numerous also at this season, when 
they are seen in companies of three or four individuals, 
and are usually more accessible than at other periods of the 
year. They then appear fatigued and emaciated, evidently 
from the effects of a long voyage ; and are more intent in. 
searching for food than providing for their safety. 
It flies with rapidity and ease, though it generally prefers 
diving, to elude its pursuers. Its wings are very muscular, 
but it does not employ them to assist its motion under 
water, as some other birds allied to it uniformly practise*. 
In Zetland, no distinction seems to be known between 
the Xmmer and the Glacialis, and, when the latter occurs, 
it is termed Immer. 
The Colymbus Immer, thei^efore, is merely the young 
of the Great Northern Diver; and what here remains to 
be stated, applies equally to both birds. 
I have little doubt that a few pairs of the Colymbus gla- 
cialis breed in the more secluded morasses or islets of Zet- 
land ; but these could not by any means supply the number 
which are met with at all seasons among these islands, 
where, indeed, it is rather a numerous species. 
It is one of the most expert divers; and its movements 
in its native element are highly graceful. No bird with 
which I am acquainted can remain so long under water at 
one time. It is partial to sheltered and retired bays, though 
it is very often found in the more exposed situations, and 
is well calculated to brave the utmost fury of the storm. 
It is never seen on land, even for repose, but only when 
wounded, or diseased. Its sleep is taken on the water, and 
* The fact of this, bird being able to fly, was, I believe, first stated by 
Dr Ed^qndston, in the fir&t volume of the Transactions of the WerneriaR 
Society. 
