102 INSTINCT OF THE EIDER-DUCK. 



to a short distance only, and, unless the danger 

 was very imminent, would return almost imme- 

 diately and cover up their nests, after which 

 they took flight with apparently less solicitude. 

 In Norway, these birds make their nests and 

 lie amongst the juniper bushes; but here they 

 build them amongst the rocks and loose stones 

 upon the small islets off the coast. The down 

 is of that tenacious character that it adheres 

 to every rough substance it touches, and thus 

 effectually prevents the nests being overturned or 

 blown away by strong winds. The quantity of 

 down required for one of these nests deprives the 

 parent of a great portion of the down upon its 

 breast, which is in consequence left nearly bare 

 for a considerable time ; and it is quite pitiable 

 to observe the condition of those which have, pro- 

 bably, been obliged to make a second nest. The 

 males may also be seen occasionally with their 

 breasts denuded of down, from their having con- 

 tributed to the formation of the nest. They are 

 the constant attendants upon the ducks whilst 

 they are sitting, and frequently procure food for 

 them ; they also assist in the defence of the 

 young, and may sometimes be seen keeping the 

 eggs warm whilst the ducks have gone to a 

 distance to procure food. Here, however, their 

 attentions appear to end for the season, for to- 



