EGGS OF BEITISH BIRDS. 45 



The nest is generally placed amongst aquatic vegetation, some- 

 times on the banks, and sometimes floating on the stagnant water, 

 supported by masses of fallen plants. At other times it is placed 

 on a tussock of sedge. 



The White-eyed Pochard generally lays ten eggs, but the 

 clutches vary from nine to fourteen. The colour of the eggs is a 

 pale creamy-brown, like that of coffee with plenty of milk in it, 

 and occasionally there is an almost imperceptible shade of green. 

 They vary in length from 22 to 1'9 inches, and in breadth from 

 1'54 to 14 inch. The only eggs with which they are likely to be 

 confused are those of the Gadwall, the Wigeon, the Harlequin, 

 and the Smew ; but the down of the three latter species is very 

 different, that of the White-eyed Pochard being very dark brown, 

 and having no perceptible white tips. Its eggs may generally be 

 distinguished by the relatively greater weight of the shell. Eggs 

 selected as near as possible of the same dimensions (two inches 

 by an inch and a half) weigh respectively : — of the White-eyed 

 Pochard, 63 grains; Smew, 55 grains ; Gadwall, 50 grains; and 

 Wigeon, 45 grains. 



THE POCHAKD. 



{Fuligula ferina.)* 

 Plate 1-t, Fig. 5. 



The Pochard is one of the most abundant species of Ducks on 

 the coasts of Scotland, including the Orkneys, Shetlands, and the 

 Hebrides, and there can be little doubt that it breeds in that 

 country. In England it is equally well known, and its nest has 

 been taken in many localities ; it also nests in certain counties of 

 Ireland. In Kussia it breeds as far north as Lake Ladoga and as 

 far south as the Caucasus. This wide range apparently contracts 

 both to the east and to the west, until its boundaries meet in 

 West Europe in England and in West Siberia at Lake Baikal. 

 Its winter range in Asia is very extensive, reaching from Asia 

 Minor through Persia, Afghanistan, India, China, and occasionally 

 to Japan. 



The nest of the Pochard is merely a hollow lined with dead 

 grass and sedge, and, after the bird has begun to sit, with down. 



* Nyvoca ferina — Sharpe, Handb. III., p. 5. 



