THE WILD DUCK 325 



charming country of the " dukeries " near Sherwood Forest, in 

 Nottinghamshire. The Tufted Duck makes its nest either 

 amongst the tall reeds and rushes actually growing in the 

 water, or in the dense vegetation on the banks. It is a simple 

 structure made of dead fragments of aquatic herbage, lined 

 with grayish- black down ; and the eggs, from eight to twelve 

 in number, resemble those of the preceding species, but are 

 slightly smaller. This bird also dives for its food, tearing up 

 the weeds at the bottom of the water and eating them as they 

 float on the surface. In winter its numbers are increased by 

 arrivals from the north, w^iich in flocks frequent all suitable 

 parts of the coast. 



