100 
BUFF-BREASTED MERGANSER. 
alighting, and then, having found appearances favourable, they open their 
bills, apparently 10 take a deep inspiration, and immediately dive. When 
they have procured a sufficiency of food, they betake themselves to some 
sand-bar, on which they repose until it is digested. 
The Goosander rises to the surface with the fish in i ts bill, and, shifting it 
about until it is in a proper position, swallows it head-foremost, then dives 
for more. So deeply does it swim, that on such occasions not more than 
a third of its body is seen on the surface ; and there is very little chance 
of shooting it, for it dives on seeing the flash, or even on hearing the click 
of the lock. The only chance of procuring one at such times is when, on 
coming to the surface, it stretches itself up and beats its wings. If it is 
only wounded, it often exhibits great tenacity of life, and diving at once, 
remains a long time in the water. On emerging, it is seen shaking its 
head violently, for the purpose of disgorging its food, and, perhaps, the 
blood that has flowed into its lungs ; and, on effecting this, it again plunges 
headlong. At length, you see it come to the surface, with its beautifully 
tinged breast upwards ; but if your object be to obtain game, you will have 
little satisfaction in procuring a Goosander or any of its genus, for they 
are all fishy, oily, tough, and fitted for the palate of none but experienced 
epicures. The food of the Goosander consists chiefly of fish, but also of 
bivalve shells, snails, leeches, aquatic lizards, crays, and frogs. 
Now, good reader, spring has once more gladdened the face of nature, 
pearly drops hang on every leaf, glistening in the bright sunshine, and 
thousands of gay insects flutter around. My light canoe is ready. Leap in, 
seat yourself snugly in the bow, and sit still while I paddle you to the green 
islands of this beautiful lake, where we shall probably find a Merganser or 
two, perhaps a female sitting on her eggs. As to the dog, we need him not ; 
so lie thee down, Baron, until I return. I was always fond of “ paddling my 
own canoe,” and I never met with a single accident so long as I managed it 
myself ; but on more occasions than one I have been turned out as gently as 
one turns himself in bed, and having put the frail bark to rights, have 
assisted the awkward fellow who had caused the disaster, dived for his gun 
and my own, and conducted him to the camp to dry his garments. There- 
fore, be quiet, and fear nothing. How smooth and silvery are the pure 
waters, how beautiful those tall trees ! The dogwood is in full bloom, so are 
the maples, whose rich red blossoms cluster on the twigs. _ Here we are just 
entering the rushes of this little island. Get out, and wade to the shore with 
all possible gentleness ; or allow me to do so; for to lighten our slight bark, 
one of us must get into the water. Softly we advance as I pull the canoe 
by the bow; but now, squat, for here are tracks of the Goosander. There 
now lies the female close before us. She thinks we have not seen her, for 
