THE EIDER DUCK. 511 



add that tlie Eider down of commerce is taken from these 

 nests, not in a pure state, but mixed with fragments of 

 plants. Pennant says that if the nest and eggs be taken 

 "the Duck lays again, and repeats the plucking of her 

 breast ; if she is robbed after that, she will still lay, but 

 the drakes must supply the down, as her stock is now 

 exhausted ; if her eggs are taken a third time, she wholly 

 deserts the place. The quantity of down found in one 

 nest weighs about three-quarters of an ounce, and may be 

 compressed into a ball two inches in diameter, but on being 

 shaken out will fill a large hat. 



The young brood take to the water immediately on being 

 hatched. To effect this they are often obliged to travel 

 a considerable distance, and if difficulties present them- 

 selves, insurmountable in any other way, the parent bird 

 carries the young in her bill. Once clear of the rocks, they 

 are liable to no further molestation from land robbers. But 

 the sea is not without its dangers, for the rapacious Black- 

 backed Gull frequently attacks them, and, but for the self- 

 devotion and bravery of the mother bird, would commit great 

 havoc among them. At his appearance the young dive in 

 all directions, while the mother counterfeits lameness to 

 distract his attention from them to herself, or springs from 

 the water and attacks the Gull until he is compelled to 

 retire from the contest. 



STELLER'S WESTERN DUCK 



SOMATERIA DISPAR. 



Head white ; between the bill and eye, and on the back of the head, a pale 

 green patch ; orbits, throat, collar, back, bill and legs black ; wings varie- 

 gated with brown, white, and blue ; scapulars elongated ; breast chestnut 

 passing into buff. Female mottled with brown and rust-red ; a spot of white 

 on the wing. Length nineteen inches. Eggs unknown. 



A RARE species, of which little is known, and of which a 

 single specimen only has been obtained in England, near 

 Yarmouth. 



