THE C0RV0RANT. 
131 
reddish skin spreads on each side of the head, and a large bag 
hangs down the throat ; the whole plumage is brownish black, 
the tail is long, and much forked. It is often found above 
a hundred and sometimes two hundred leagues from land 
and sometimes settles on the masts of ships. Its ainazincr 
length ot wing, which is not less than fourteen feet, enables 
it to take immense flights ; and, when it is not successful in 
fishing, it attacks the gulls and other waterfowl, and makes 
them disgorge the lish which they have taken. 
The Cot vovdiit is about the size of a large Muscovy duck, 
and may be distinguished by its four toes beirnr united by 
membranes together ; and by the middle toe befim toothed 
or notched, like a saw, to assist it in holding its if shy prey. 
1 lie head and neck of this bird are of a sooty blackness, 
and the body thick and heavy, more inclining in figure to 
t iat ol the goose than the gull. As soon as the winter 
approaches, they are seen dispersed along the sea-shore, and 
ascending up the mouths of fresh-water rivers, carrying 
distinction to all the finny tribe. They are most remark- 
ably voracious, and have a most sudden digestion. Their 
appetite is for ever craving, and never satisfied. This gnaw- 
ing sensation may probably be increased by the great quan- 
tity of small worms that fill their intestines’, and which their 
increasing gluttony contributes to engender. 
This bird has the most rank and disagreeable smell, and 
is more fcetid than even carrion, when in its most healthful 
state. It is seen as well by land as sea; it fishes in fresh- 
water lakes, as well as in the depths of the ocean ; it builds 
! ri the t'liffs of rocks, as well as on trees; and preys not only 
•n the day time, but by night. 
Its indefatigable nature, and its great power in catching 
sh, were, probably, the motives that induced some nations 
to breed this bird up tame, for the purposes of fishing. The 
^escription of their manner of fishing is thus delivered by 
“ When they carry them out of the rooms where they are 
ke pt to the fish-pools, they hood-wink them, that they may 
not be frightened by the way. When they are come to the 
* i vers, they take off their hoods ; and having tied a leather 
nong round the lower part of their necks, that they may 
ot swallow down the fish they catch, they throw them into 
\ e 1 lver - T hey presently dive under water ; and there, for 
■ °ng time, with wonderful swiftness, pursue the fish; and, 
\ en { hey have caught them, rise to the top of the water, 
ti'l! Pr f S ‘" g 'he fish lightly with their bills, swallow them ; 
each bird hath, after this manner, devoured five or six 
