File:The natural history of British birds, or, A selection of the most rare, beautiful and interesting birds which inhabit this country - the descriptions from the Systema naturae of Linnaeus - with (14563322787).jpg

Identifier: naturalhistoryof11794dono (find matches)
Title: The natural history of British birds, or, A selection of the most rare, beautiful and interesting birds which inhabit this country : the descriptions from the Systema naturae of Linnaeus : with general observations, either original or collected from the latest and most esteemed English ornithologists : and embellished with figures, drawn, engraved, and coloured from the original specimens
Year: 1794 (1790s)
Authors: Donovan, E. (Edward), 1768-1837 Latham, John, 1740-1837 Pennant, Thomas, 1726-1798 Gilbert, Richard, 1794-1852, printer Donovan, E. (Edward), 1768-1837. Natural history of the nests and eggs of British birds Linné, Carl von, 1707-1778. Systema naturae. Regnum animale F. and C. Rivington (Firm), publisher F., C. and J. Rivington (Firm), publisher Law and Gilbert, printer R. & R. Gilbert (Firm), printer Leverian Museum (London, England)
Subjects: Birds
Publisher: London : Printed for the author, and for F. and C. Rivington ...
Contributing Library: Smithsonian Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: Biodiversity Heritage Library

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enfues,and the fov/lers, who have been waiting for the advantage of fuch auevent, catch them in their nets in great numbers f. In the fens each male remains within his circle, and defends himfelfagainft every invader with much refolution; the leafb infringement onhis pofTeffiOn by another male is refented vv^ith the greatcft violence ;and if any farther attack is made, a battle is the confequence: Infighcing they have the fame adtion as a cock, fpread their ruffs, andplace their bills to the ground. ^ It is ufual to fat thefe birds for table by means of bread and mil-kmixed with hemp-Jeed^ and fometimes boiled vjheat; to thefe by manyfiigar is added -, which lafl; in a fortnights time vv^ill caufe them to beone lump of fat, when they will fetch from two (hillings to half acrown each.—Lath. Gen. Syn. * Erlt. Zool.•\ They vfit a place called Martin-mere in LancaJIove^ the latter end of March, orfjeginniAg of April, but do not continue there above three weeks.—5r/^ Zool. PLATE I ^
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PLATE XX. M E R G U S A L B E L L U S. Smew. A N s E R E s. Bill obtufe, covered wi;:h a thin membrane, broad, gibbous belowthe bafe, fwelled at the apex. Tongue fleftiy. Legs naked, feet\vebbed, or finned. GENERIC CHARACTER, Bill (lender, a little deprefled, furniibed with a crooked nail; edgesof the mandibles very fbarply ferrated. Noftrils near the middle ofthe mandible, fmall and fubovated. Feet furniilied vv^ith four toes ;three forv/ards, and one behind ; the outer toe before longer than themiddle one. SPECIFIC CHARACTER. Bill lead colour. General colour of the plumage white. Headcrefted at the back part; on each fide of the head an oval black fpot>beginning at the bill, and encircling the eye. On the lower part ofthe neck, on each fide, are two curved black ftreaks, pointing for-ward. Inner fcapulars, back, coverts on the fide of the wing and thegreater quill feathers, black. Tail cinereous. Legs grey. Mergus Albellus. Lin. S-y/I, i. p. 209. 5.Faun, Suec. N° 137.Brun. N^ 97

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