NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 
241 
I saw no individuals of the King Eider, Somateria spectabilis, during my stay > 
but was informed that in the fall they are not unfrequently met with. 
Mergus serrator Linn. — Red-breasted Mergauser. u Shell-drake.” 
Mergus serrator , Aud., Birds Amer. vi. 395; pi. 412. Bairdj Gen. Rep. 814. 
The Red-breasted Mergauser breeds very abundantly along the Labrador 
coast, while the Buff- breasted, 31. Americanus, is seldom or never seen. The 
females place their nests on much the same islands as the Eiders choose, but 
conceal them more carefully in the tall grass, or among thick scrubby juniper. 
The nest is rather neatly and compactly formed of mosses, lichens, and dried 
sea weeds, and warmly lined with down plucked from the breast of the mother, 
with which the eggs are nearly covered. The full number of these is nine or 
ten; incubation does not take place until late in the season, as I have found 
them nearly fresh on the 4th of July. They are regularly oval or ellipsoidal in 
form, and of a uniform light buff color. When the bird is surprised on the 
nest, she steals off as quietly as possible, and retires to a considerable distance. 
While the females are engaged in incubation, and in rearing their young, the 
males collect in small flocks and keep entirely by themselves, and are exces- 
sively shy and vigilant. I found young birds, apparently about a week old, on 
the 1st of August. Although so young, they were perfectly at home on the 
water, swimming with ease aud grace, and diving with such celerity that it 
was with difficulty that three or four were procured. 
Graculus dilophus (Sw.) Gray. Double-crested Cormorant, “ Shag.” 
Thalacrocorax dilophus , Aud., Birds Amer. vi. 423 : pi. 416. 
Graculus dilophus, Lawrence, Gen. Rep. 877. 
As I had no opportunity of visiting any of the colonies of Cormorants, either 
in Labrador or Newfoundland, I can say nothing concerning their habits. I 
was informed that there was a “ Shag settlement ” (either of this species or the 
G. carbo ,) near Sloop Harbor, a short distance south of Little Mecattina. A. 
fine specimen of this species was presented to me by Capt. Dodge. Both this, 
and the G. carbo are universally known as “ Shags.” 
Sula bassana (L.) Briss. — Gannet. 
Sula bassana , Aud., Birds Amer. vii. 44 ; pi. 425. Lawrence, Gen. Rep. 871. 
On the first of July our proximity to the celebrated Gannet Rocks was clearly 
indicated by the numbers of these birds seen flying in every direction, engaged 
in seeking for food, which consists principally or wholly of fish. When sati- 
ated with food they are unable to fly for some time. We passed by one in this 
condition ; it flapped heavily along on the surface of the water, trying in vain 
to rise, yet managing, with aid of wings and feet to proceed with considerable 
speed. Again, on the 11th of September, on our return we saw many Gannets 
but though ou both these occasions we passed within fifty miles or less of the 
rocks, I was denied the pleasure of observing the birds at their great breeding 
place, and can only speak of their flight and mode of fishing. They fly with, 
firm, powerful beats, alternately sailing and flapping for about equal distances, 
and their flight is strong and capable of being greatly protracted. When 
searching for food, they fly slowly along at the height of a few yards above the 
surface, reconnoitering the water beneath. When a fish is espied, the bird 
poises an instant in the air and then darts suddenly down, the weight of its 
ponderous body giving it an impetus which sends it far under water, and raises 
the spray in a cloud around it. Taking advantage of this habit, Gannets are 
sometimes captured by fastening a fish to a soft plank, and sinking it just be- 
low the surface. The velocity with which the bird descends forces its bill 
through the wood, and it is thus made a prisoner. 
1861.] 17 
