SMEW. 175 
is very limited, and with one exception they are 
natives of northern or temperate countries. 
Gen. Merges, Linnaius. — Generic characters . — 
Bill long, narrow, tapering to the point, edges 
with strong serratures pointing backwards, nail 
strong, hooked ; nostrils basal, lateral, oblong, 
pervious ; wings of mean length, accuminated, 
first and second quills nearly equal ; legs placed 
behind, tarsi short, feet ample, hallux lobed. 
Types. — M. merganser , albellas, &c. — Europe, 
North and South America, Asia, Japan. 
Note. — Maritime, except when breeding; form 
rather elongated, but heavy ; plumage pied ; 
wings slightly tuberculated. 
In the species we shall first describe, though 
not considered generically typical, we see a resem- 
blance to some forms of the ducks, particularly that of 
the Garrots. 
Smew, or "WAite Nun. — Mergus albeulus. — 
Mergus albell us of authors. — Harle pielte, Temm . — 
Stneie, Nun, or White-headed Merganser of British 
authors . — The Smew, with the exception of the spe- 
cies more properly American, is perhaps our rarest 
British Goosander. It is occasionally in winter 
brought to the. English markets, and Mr. Yarrell 
says “ it is well known on the east, south, and 
west coasts.” Northward it becomes less frequent, 
and in Scotland it can only stand as an occasional 
