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MINUTES OE PROCEEDINGS Of 
assembling in large flocks in September. They remain inland very late; I slot one 
on the Columbia, 800 miles from the sea in October, but as the cold weather comes 
on they retire to the coast, returning to the streams again in March and April. 
Lophodytes cucullatus. —-(Reich). 
Hooded Merganser. I obtained this bird in winter in Esqimault Harbour and 
it is found, though not abundantly, in the inlets and bays on both the island and 
mainland coasts j but inland in the summer, east and west of the Cascades, and on 
the west slope of the Rocky Mountains. It may be seen in every stream, lake, 
and pool, where it breeds, returning coastward when the frost sets in, and returning 
again early in March. 
Colywbus torquatuss —(Brunn) . 
The Great Northern Diver.—The Loon. This magnificent bird is found 
at all periods of the year (except perhaps in the very depth of winter), both east 
and west of the Cascades, and up to the very summit of the Rocky Mountains. In 
nearly all the lakes, rivers, and pools may be seen the loon, dozing idly by the 
sedgy margins, or busily diving after its finny prey; and at sundown and daybreak his 
call, loud, plaintive and sad, like the wail of some water-elf or goblin grim, peals 
over the still water. 
I hardly know a sound that falls with such mournful cadence on the ear of the 
lonely wanderer in a primeval wilderness, as the cry of the loon, and it is rendered 
a thousandfold more impressive inasmuch as it comes pealing through the silence 
of the twilight when nature goes to sleep. 
They breed on the sedgy and marshy margins of inland lakes and pools ; nests 
early in the year, the nest being placed in a tuft of rashes close to the water (eggs 
sent home), seldom laying more than two eggs. The female specimen sent with 
eggs was shot on her nest. It is perfectly wonderful the distance this bird will 
go under water when frightened or slightly wounded. I have known them go quite 
half a mile; they use their wings underneath the water, much after the fashion they 
use them in the air, and literally and veritably fly through the water. During the 
very cold months of midwinter comes down to the coast, frequenting still bays 
and harbours. 
Podicejos cornutus. —(Gm). 
Horned Grebe. The horned grebe is somewhat rare, and found but sparingly 
on the inland streams and lakes; it arrives at Colville about April in full summer 
livery, generally in small flocks of three or four, pairs and nests in the rushes round 
the margin of small saline lakes. The female when leaving the nest always dives 
and comes up some distance from it. They get together in flocks before leaving 
for the coast, a few remain about Vancouver island, but the greater number go 
much further south. 
