THE CORMORANT.

THIS bird breeds on most of our rocky coasts, where an insulated eminence may sometimes be observed covered with the nests of cormorants, and composed of sticks and seaweed. In the winter they are frequently found in fresh-water rivers far distant from the sea; and eight or ten have been observed together far up the river Usk, perched on a tree.

This bird is a great destroyer of fish; and by frequent diving, the wings often become so wet, that it is unable to fly. It is said to have been trained and used for fishing, as hawks are for fowling, and that a tight collar was put round the neck, to prevent the cormorant swallowing its prey. Its dexterity in fishing is very great. Aware of its own powers, if a fish is thrown into the water at a distance, it will dive immediately, take a direct line to the spot, and frequently capture the fish before it falls to the bottom.

A cormorant, taken by an able naturalist, is described as extremely docile, of a grateful disposition, and with

out the smallest tincture of a savage or vindictive spirit. In less than a week after its capture, it was perfectly familiar, and made one in the family circle round the fire, suffering even the caresses of the children. When removed to an aquatic menagerie, it lived in perfect harmony with a whistling swan, a barnacle goose, various sorts of ducks, and several other birds. If it got out, it never attempted to ramble, but walked to the house, entered the first open door, regardless even of a dog, and became, in fact, "troublesomely tame."

Here, then, we pause in our consideration of British Birds, not because all have been looked at, (for many remain unnoticed,) but because the limit assigned to this volume is reached. Nor have we forgotten the great and gracious Being who created them all. He ought to be constantly and devoutly regarded :—

"The God of nature and of grace,

In all his works appears:

His goodness through the earth we trace

His grandeur in the spheres.

"The forests in his strength rejoice: —

Hark! on the evening breeze,

As once of old, Jehovah's voice
Is heard among the trees.

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