113 
the fish taken by other birds ; to obtain 
which, it follows and harasses them till 
they either drop their prey, or vomit 
with fear; it then devours the residue 
before it falls into the sea. # The Arctic 
gull is frequently taken sleeping on the 
water. 
Anas Mollissima, or Eider Duck, is 
sometimes found on the coast of Spitz- 
bergen in vast numbers, especially in 
winter. Bill black, and somewhat eleva¬ 
ted ; from the forehead, which is a glossy 
black, extends a dark purple stripe be¬ 
yond each eye: neck, body, and tail, a 
mixture of black and white; legs green. 
The body of the female is mostly of an 
iron colour, stripped with black; tail of 
an ash hue. 
This species is about twice the size 
of the common domesticated duck, and 
its body is covered over with a thick 
coat of valuable down. 
* Faun. Groenl. p. 104, 
H 
