63 
could not by any exertion, or alarm, be 
forced to immerse. Upon the surface of 
the water this bird swims as buoyant as 
any of the gulls. The same author ob- 
serves that ?? When Gannets have been 
offered fish, they took it, but would never 
go into a pond after it, and from every 
appearance of their actions on the water, 
(to which they never went but by compul- 
sion) they could not procure the fish out of 
the reach of the extent of their neck," 
ff When the bird was placed on the 
water of a pond, nothing could induce 
him to dive ; and from the manner of his 
putting the bill, and sometimes the whole 
head under water, as if searching for fish $ 
it appears that their prey is frequently 
taken in that manner. It is probable more 
fish are caught in their congregated migra- 
tions, when the shoals are near the surface, 
than by their descent upon wing; for the 
Herrings, Pilchards, Mackarel, and other 
gregarious fishes, cannot at that time avoid 
their enemy, who is floating in the midst 
of them." 
The beak of the Gannet differs from 
that of most birds, for it is not only desti- 
