The Domestic Life of the Dabchick 



measuring about 60 yards by 80 yards, and 

 very deep in most parts. Hereon I frequently 

 placed ducks and other water-fowl procured from 

 the market, which was not far distant. I tried 

 dabchicks among others, but for a long time 

 none of them stayed, but apparently flew off 

 under cover of darkness. 



At last, however, a pair made their home upon 

 the pond, nesting in the autumn of 1900, and 

 continuing to breed during the following two 

 years, at all events ; indeed, I hope they are 

 there still. These birds were so exceedingly 

 tame, and nested in such open situations and 

 so near the bank, that it was quite possible to 

 observe all their habits without the slightest 

 difficulty. And the outcome of these observa- 

 tions of mine was to give me a very high 

 opinion of the dabchick's character both for 

 sense and spirit — in fact, I have never met 

 with a bird so constantly interesting ; and 

 although the old birds are more quaint than 

 pretty, there are few members of the bird 

 world more charming than the tiny young- 

 The little things when floating look only about 

 as big as walnuts, and have not the chubby 

 appearance of young ducks, but show already 

 an approximation to the outlines of their parents, 

 their proportions being emphasised by their 



short plushy down, streaked black - and - buff 



207 



