GREBE SHOOTING. 
247 
for pellisses, &c. ; a good skin will sell for six or eight francs, 
and in the vicinity of the lake of Geneva, which the bird 
frequents in autumn, shooting parties are made up for the 
GREAT CRESTED GREBE. 
pin^pose of obtaining specimens. This sport, called La 
Chasse du Grebe, is referred to by M. Necker, in his paper 
on the Birds of Geneva. 
The female Grebe is said sometimes to bear her young 
on her back when danger threatens them, and Bishop Mant 
thus feelingly deprecates the pursuit of the bird luider such 
circumstances : — 
Unused aloft to soar, but fleet 
With oarage of the liandKke feet, 
Most apt the liquid mass to strike 
With powerful stroke, direct, oblique ; . 
See, where across the lake she rows 
Her crested form ; and, as she goes, 
Fidl of maternal fears and cares, 
Lodg'd on her back her nestlings bears, 
The Female Grebe ! Her glossj^ breast 
Sleek plumes of satin white invest, 
Wave-proof ; and hangs her shoulders down, 
Down, back, and wings, of dusky brown 
A mantling tippet. Ah ! forbear, 
Nor with intent remorseless dare, . 
Thou who with gun and gun-craft tried, 
Creep' st cautious by the water side — 
