208 
doubted by some, whether they could exist 
without the marine element. That they 
can do so and continue to enjoy perfect 
health, (provided they are allowed commu- 
nication with a pond) we are fully con- 
vinced, having seen several proofs of the 
fact. 
The flesh of the Shieldrake is rank and 
unsavoury, but their eggs are allowed to be 
excellent. 
The trachea of the male is furnished with 
a singular labyrinth, consisting of two 
roundish bladders of a most delicate tex- 
ture, one of which is larger than the other, 
both are uneven on the surface, (see plate). 
