518 



PALMIPEDES. 



a great portion both of the Eastern and Western lii'ini- 

 spheres, but not very far to tlie north. It rarely flies, 

 except at the period of migration, when it passes swiftly 

 through the air with neck and feet extended to their full 

 h^ngtli. It builds its nest amongst rushes and decaying 

 rt^eds, but little above the level of the water, and lays 

 four white eggs, the male assisting his partner in the 

 work of incubation. The young can dive and swim 

 immediately that they are hatched ; but if the mother 

 he suddenly alarmed while they are with her, she takes 

 them under her wing and dives with them." — {Rev. 

 ('. A. Johns.) 



