258 
THE LOON. 
Amongst the wild-fowl may be classed the various 
species of divers and grebes which frequent our shores 
and harbours, especially in winter, and which afford good 
sport to the gunner, by their wonderful power of diving 
long distances in their efforts to escape. 
The provincial name of “ loon ” ( Macbeth , Act v. Sc. 3) 
is applied both to a diver and to a grebe. On many parts 
of the coast the red-throated diver ( Colymbus septentrio- 
nalis ) is known as the “ loon,” “ speckled loon,” and 
“ sprat loon.” In Norfolk, the name is applied to the 
great-crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus). 
Shakespeare employs the term “ loon ” as synonymous 
with “ coward ; ” and if we call to mind the habits of the 
two birds to which the same name has been applied, it is 
certainly not ill bestowed upon one who lacks courage to 
face an enemy. 
Another species of grebe is referred to by Shakespeare 
in his Venus and Adonis :— 
“ Like a dive-dapper peering through a wave, 
Who, being look’d on, ducks as quickly in.” 
This is the little grebe, or dabchick ( Podiceps minor). 
In some parts of the country we have heard it called 
“ di’ dapper,” but it was not until we had met with the 
passage above quoted that the meaning of the word 
became apparent. 
On the subject of “loons,” the Rev. H. Jones has some 
