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THE HOODED MERGANSEK. 
Mergus cucullatus, Linn. 
PLATE OCCOXIII. — Male and Female. 
Excepting the Smew or White Nun, the Hooded Merganser is the hand- 
somest of its family. Its broad and rounded crest of pure white, with an 
edging of jetty black, and which it closes or spreads out at pleasure, renders 
the male of this species conspicuous on the waters to which it resorts. The 
activity of its motions, the rapidity of its flight, and its other habits, con- 
tribute to render it a pleasing object to the student of nature, not less than 
to the sportsman. Its flesb, however, has a fishy taste and odour, although 
it is relished by some persons. It seems to prefer fresh water, and is by no 
means very frequent along the sea coast. Long, narrow, and moderately 
deep creeks, or small pbnds, are more frequented by it than large rivers or 
lakes. 
On the waters of the Western and Southern States, these Mergansers are 
seen to arrive from the north early in October, but generally later than many 
species of Ducks, although sooner than either the Red-breasted Merganser 
or the Goosander. At the approach of night, a person standing still on the 
banks of such a river as the Ohio, first hears the well-known sound of wings 
whistling through the air, presently after, a different noise, as if produced by 
an Eagle stooping on her prey, when gliding downwards with the rapidity 
of an arrow, he dimly perceives the Hooded Mergansers sweeping past. 
Five or six, perhaps ten, there are ; with quick beats of their pinions, they 
fly low over the waters in wide circles. Now they have spied the entrance 
of a creek ; there they shoot into it, and in a few seconds you hear the 
rushing noise which they make as they alight on the bosom of the still pool. 
How often have I enjoyed such scenes, when enticed abroad by the clear 
light of the silvery moon, I have wandered on the shores of la belle rivilre, 
to indulge in the contemplation of nature ! 
Up the creek the Mergansers proceed, washing their bodies by short 
plunges, and splashing up the water about them. Then they plume them- 
selves, and anoint their feathers, now and then emitting a low grunting note 
of pleasure. And now they dive in search of minnows, which they find in 
abundance, and which no doubt prove delicious food to the hungry travellers. 
Vol. VII -A 5 
