Mer^ansus aineri earns . 
Concord, 
1898 . 
Nov. 26. 
Mass. 
Just as the sun was rising a flock of five Sheldrake came 
swimming past the oabin following the edge of the ice on the 
further side of the river, moving very fast and diving, some- 
times all practically at once, but oftener one immediately af- 
ter another in quick succession, each bird springing quite 
clear of the water as it took its downward plunge. They re- 
minded me forcibly of a school of Porpoises as they appeared 
and disappeared making the calm water flash and sparkle in the 
sunlight. Apparently they had ill success with their fishing 
for after they had passed the cabin they all took wing and 
went off over the frozen meadows towards the S.W. 
