186 
NATURAL HISTORY 
CORMORANT. 
The Cormorant is about the size of a 
goose, and may be distinguished from all 
others of its kind, by its four toes being 
united together by membranes, and by me 
middle toe being toothed like a saw, to assist 
it in holding its fishy prey. The head, neck, 
and body of this bird, are of a sooty black 
colour. They are remarkably voracious; 
their appetites are for ever craving, and 
never satisfied. This bird has a most rank 
and disagreeable smell, and is more ante 
than even carrion itself. It is seen as well 
by land as sea; it fishes in fresh-water 
lakes, as well as in the (tenths of the ocean ; 
it builds its nest in the clifis of rocks, as well 
as on trees ; and seeks its prey not only in 
the day time, but by night. 
