THE CORMORANT. 
151 
THE CORMORANT. ( Phalacrocorax carbo.') 
The Cormorant, or Corvorant, weighs about seven pounds, 
and is nearly the same size as a goose. The head and neck 
are of a sooty blackness, and the body is thick and heavy, 
more inclining in figure to that of the goose than the gull. 
Its distinguished character, however, consists in its toes 
being united by membranes, and by the middle toe being 
notched, like a saw, to assist it in holding its fishy prey. 
On the approach of winter, these birds are seen dispersed 
along the sea-shore, and ascending the mouths of rivers, 
carrying destruction to all the finny tribe, as they are 
remarkably voracious, and have such a quick digestion that 
their appetite appears completely insatiable. Their intestines 
being thronged with small worms may, perhaps, contribute 
to their insatiable craving for food. They build their nests 
on the highest parts of the cliffs that overhang the sea ; and 
the female usually lays three or four eggs about the size of 
those of the goose, and of a pale green colour. 
In China these birds are bred up tame, for the purposes 
of fishing, and one man can easily manage a hundred of 
them. When a fisherman intends to fish, he carries them 
out into the lake, perched on the gunnel of his boat, where 
they continue tranquil, and expect his orders with patience. 
When arrived at the proper place, each flies a different 
way, on a given signal, to fulfil the task assigned it : and it 
is very pleasant on this occasion to behold with what 
