264 BRITISH BIRDS. [vol. ix. 



arrival the peaceful character of the mere and its sur- 

 roundings vanished at once. There are few noisier birds 

 than Coots at all seasons of the year, and in the early 

 spring they quarrel and shout all day long. It seems to 

 amuse them, for their mutual animosities lack the real 

 ardour Mhich animates the JMoorhens in their contests. 



I M-atched a pair buildiiig (ni May 24th. When the nest 

 Mas half finished, tliat day and the next, they worked 

 ill a very desultory mamier. The male collected stuff 

 Mhich the female arranged from time to time. But long 

 intervals Mere spent in playing about both in the ^ater 

 and on the banks. Coots ahvays amuse me. They are 

 very plebeian in their habits, and they bring up their 

 yomig on old-fashioned principles. Any breach of 

 discipline is punished with alacrity, especially greediness. 

 I frequently saw the parents of the two 3'oungsters in 

 Fig. 5 chase an offender, seize it by the scruff of its neck, 

 and beat it soundly with tlieir Mings. The loud squeaks 

 Avhich accompanied this chastisement Avere sufficient 

 evidence of its severity. 



