PLATE XL. 
The Coote. 
This plate is the full fize of life. They chiefly inhabit the lower fenns, being birds that do not 
frequent any places but where there is water. They are difficult of approach, for, immediately on 
obferving any one they fecrete themfelves in the flags and ruflies, or if there be none of thofe near 
they dive under water, and are no more to be feen. The few with which the London markets are 
fupplied are taken with nets. Theyfeldom fly, and are fo clofely feathered as to refift common 
mufquet fhot every where except the head. The neft is compofed of a few rubbifhing flags and 
Imall fticks but very flightly put together, it is built a few inches above the furface of the water and 
fupported there by the flags and ruflies, they lay three and four eggs, the young ones quit their neft 
as foon as they are hatched, as young ducks do ; and I have obferved them fwimming and diving 
in the water at a very early period after they were hatched. 
No. XIV. 
