IMMEIl GOOSE. 
seems often to be continued for some hours together : with 
its head under its wing, it may be frequently observed 
passively floating in the direction of the wind or tid^, but 
always sufficiently on its guard against surprise. It 
peculiarly fond of sand-eels {Ammodytes tolndnus), and 
may commonly be e:xpeeted to be met with where these 
abound. 
The plumage on the body is so full, and the sMn so 
thick, that, small shot makes little impression when the 
back of the bird Is not turned to the sportsraan ; and it is 
therefore the practice of the experienced to wait for this 
favourable situation, or to take aim chiefly at the head or 
neck. It dives with great celerity on the flash of the pan ; 
and hence another precaution for securing its capture, that 
of waiting for the momentary dipping of the bill in the 
water,-— a habit which most of the divers practise from time 
to time as they swim along the surface. 
It is exceedingly tenacious of life. I have seen it even 
when mortally wounded, with its head literally shattered, 
and the brain perforated in various directions, still struggle 
to escape, with almost undiminished vigour and sagacity ; 
and as it seemed impossible to kill it speedily, without un- 
fitting it for being a specimen, the sportsman, relenting at 
its torments, has been compelled to put an end to them, by 
beheading it. 
From its marked tenaciousness of life, and comparative- 
ly superior power of suspending respiration for a consider- 
able time, I am disposed to expect some peculiarity of 
structure in its vital organs, and, with this view, shall avail 
myself of the first opportunity that occurs for its accurate 
dissection. 
I am at present engaged in endeavouring to determine; 
the validity of the claims of other birds of this genus to be 
62 
