BLACK, OR SURF DUCK. 
71 
patch of black, preceded by another space of a pearl colour ; 
the part of the bill thus marked, swells, or projects, consider- 
ably from the common surface | the nostrils are large and 
pervious ; the sides of the bill broadly serrated, -or toothed ; 
both mandibles are furnished with a nail at the extremity; 
irides, white, or very pale cream ; whole plumage, a shining 
black, marked on the crown and hind head with two triangular 
spaces of pure white ; the plumage on both these spots is 
shorter and thinner than the rest; legs and feet, blood red; 
membrane of the webbed feet, black ; the primary quills are 
of a deep dusky brown. 
On dissection, the gullet was found to be gradually enlarged 
to the gizzard, which was altogether filled with broken shell- 
fish. There was a singular hard expansion at the commence- 
ment of the windpipe, and another much larger, about three- 
quarters of an inch above where it separates into the two lobes 
of the lungs ; this last v/as larger than a Spanish hazel nut, 
flat on one side, and convex on the other. The protuberance 
on each side of the bill communicated with the nostril, and was 
hollow. All these were probably intended to contain supplies 
of air for the bird’s support while under water ; the last may 
also protect the head from the sharp edges of the shells. 
The female is altogether of a sooty brown, lightest about 
the neck ; the prominences on the bill are scarcely observable, 
and its colour dusky. 
' This species was also found by Captain Cook, at Nootka 
Sound, on the north-west coast of America. 
