66 EIDER DUCK. 



islands for the purpose, but also make use of hollows 

 in rocks on the mainland, and sand-banks along the 

 sea-shore. Great numbers are frequently placed close 

 together, so that it is hardly possible to walk among 

 them without treading on some. 



It seems that at first the nest has only grass, lichens, 

 or sea-weed, for its composition, but when all or nearly 

 all the eggs are laid, down, plucked by the female 

 from herself, is daily added, the quantity being then 

 successively increased. If the bird leaves her charge 

 for a time, the eggs are carefully covered over and 

 concealed, either with down, or grass and leaves, accord- 

 ing as each has been supplied. 



The eggs, of a light green colour, are usually five 

 in number, but not very unfrequently as many as eight 

 or even ten are found together, two birds having laid 

 in the same place. Both, it appears in that case, sit 

 together in an amicable manner. 



