43 
we could not withdraw thein till we cut 
up the belly of the bird." 
Its indefatigable nature, and its great 
power in catching fish, were probably the 
motives that induced some nations to breed 
this bird up tame for the purpose of fishing. 
It was formerly used in this country 
for that purpose, and it is still trained for 
the same in China, &c. " where they are 
educated as men rear spaniels or hawks, 
and one man can easily manage an hun- 
dred. The fisher carries them out into 
the lake, perched on the gunnel of his 
boat, where they continue tranquil, and 
expecting his orders with patience. When 
arrived at the proper place, at the first 
signal given, each flies a different way to 
fulfil the task assigned it. It is very plea- 
sant on this occasion, to behold with what 
sagacity they portion out the lake or the 
canal where they are upon duty. They hunt 
about, they plunge, they rise an hundred 
times to the surface, until they have at last 
found their prey. They then seize it with 
their beak by the middle, and carry it 
without fail to their master. When the 
VOL. III. G 
