GREAT CRESTED GREBE. 235 



shillings each is generally given,* except, therefore, 

 where strictly preserved, the unhappy loon is doomed to 

 destruction. 



" A few nests are still found annually on Hickling 

 Broad and, owing probably to the extreme mildness of 

 the previous winter, an unusual number of loons appeared 

 on these waters in the spring of 1863, but, I am sorry to 

 say, that even this chance of [recovering] their former 

 numbers has been wholly frustrated, one individual 

 alone having received, for the mere purpose of barter, 

 six dozen eggs from that locality.f At Horsey, as well 

 as on some of the smaller broads, and from the same 

 causes, they have wholly ceased to breed, the fenmen 

 themselves apparently wanting the sense to preserve the 

 goose with the golden eggs. At Ran worth, Hoveton, 

 and some other localities, however, where care is taken 

 of both birds and eggs, they may still be found during the 

 breeding season. On the former waters I have had many 

 opportunities of there watching their habits during the 

 spring months, when they occasionally rise on the wing 

 and fly round and round with a strong steady flight 

 before settling again on some distant part of the water ; J 

 and at Hoveton the great interest taken of late years 

 by the proprietor in their careful preservation has been 

 rewarded by the presence of several pairs, accompanied 

 by their young ones, disporting themselves in perfect 

 security, as well as other species of fowl which had 

 previously ceased to breed in that neighbourhood. 



" These birds usually dive off their nests at the 

 approach of a boat, with the least possible motion of the 

 reeds, leaving their eggs lightly covered with loose weed, 

 which agrees so nearly with the surrounding herbage as 

 to pass wholly undetected, unless carefully looked for. 

 When unmolested they are by no means shy, but at a 



^' Bewick, edit. 1804, ii., p.14-4, says, " The skin of one of the 

 species sells as high as fourteen shillings." — T. S. 



t In the spring of 1867, Watson, of Yarmouth, sent to London 

 seven dozen eggs of the great crested and little grebes. — T. S. 



J When on the wing their appearance is very singular, the neck 

 being carried quite straight, and the feet thrust out behind ; the 

 small wings work with great rapidity, and the flight is direct and 

 powerful.— T. S. 

 2 g2 



