126 
THE COOT. 
Foxes are said to be fond of Coots, and when the 
waters they frequent are frozen up, it is not impro- 
bable that many fall victims. This may probably ac- 
count for their returning in diminished numbers after- 
long frosts. On a mere, where, from constant observa- 
tion, we knew the precise number, they would remain 
as long as a few square yards of water are unfrozen, 
sitting on the ice, or swimming with a sort of 
despairing restlessness, round their rapidly con- 
tracting space, as if unwilling, while hope of thaw 
was left, to seek shelter elsewhere. Even when this, 
their last opening, is sealed up, they will, for a day 
or two, linger amongst the rushes on the borders; 
but at length, they disappear altogether ; and in vain 
have we sought them in the ditches and open 
streams adjacent. Where they go, we never could 
tell, but it is probable, to some distance, as they 
seldom return till many days after the frost has 
broken up, and Ducks, and other water-birds, com- 
mon to the mere, have reappeared. 
The third genus in this table comprises the Jaca- 
nas, a tribe of Waders, or rather we should say, 
walkers on the water ; for, by means of their very 
long toes, they are enabled to walk with ease over 
