THE CORMORANT. 13

small pouch at the same time stretches
so as to admit the whole body of the fish,
which is often very large in comparison
with the size of the neck of the bird. In
some countries, the skill of the Cormorant
in fishing is turned to profit. On the
rivers of China, Cormorants, having rings
buckled around their throats to prevent
them from swallowing, are perched on
the prows of boats; and at a signal, they
plunge into the water, and soon rise with
a fish, which the master takes. After he
is satisfied, the bird is allowed to fish for
itself. When glutted with its meal, the
Cormorant becomes indolent, and dozes
away the greater part of the time, perched
in solitude, in places where it cannot
easily be approached.