OF: -B Wik Dus. . 
_ and Iceland, and moft of the northern parts of 
| Europe. It is found too in Switzerland, on the 
lake of Conftance. ’ 
COLYMBUS CRISTATUS, 
THe GRE BR: 

Grebes are eafily diftinguifhed by their beau- 
| tiful tufts, of a filvery white, which are foft as 
down, elaftic as feathers, and gloily as filk. 
| Their plumage, particularly that of the breaft, 
is aclofe beautiful down, which neither admits 
-moifture or cold; and fuch a covering is. very 
-neceflary for them, as they are conftantly on the 
water, even in the coldeft. winters.. 
|. Their legs are placed very far backwards, and 
| are very unfit for walking, fo that they never come 
7 to land, if they can avoid it; and for that reafon, 
they generally {wim againft the wind. If by acci- 
dent the waves fhould carry them on the fhore, - 
they remain there, in vain attempting with their 
wings to fly; for, from the fituation of their legs; 
‘thefe efforts only throw them forwards. In this 
ftate they are often taken, though they defend 
‘themfelves,. by ftriking very violently with their 
beaks. 
ee ee 
C a But 

i“. 
. = 

