AMONG THE WaTER-FowL 
feet in diameter, and was surrounded by nests in the 
adjacent canes. ‘The owners had been frightened 
away, but, as I stood quietly, they would emerge 
from the open water as a convenient place for more 
extended observation, take a look at me, and then 
dive. I found that by standing back a little in the 
canes they did not notice me so much, and, some- 
what reassured, would promenade across the park, 
back and forth. Now and then, a small group of 
the Eared Grebes would swim out from the reeds, 
gaze around, and paddle across the opening. One 
of these Grebes brought out a chick for a ride. 
The little one was under the parent’s wing, only its 
head sticking out, seemingly having a fine time. 
Then one of the great Western Grebes would break 
water, and swim with only its long slender white 
neck out, and the merest suggestion of a back, look- 
ing more like a water-snake thana bird. Here was 
an opportunity for Grebe-photography which I 
eagerly improved. Planting the tripod at the edge 
of the canes, I arranged the camera, using the 
ampliscope lens to secure a larger image, and 
focused on the further side of the park, where most 
of the Grebes appeared. ‘Then, with a thread 
attached to the shutter, I retired a few paces, and 
took snaps at various Grebes of both sorts, till 
gathering clouds compelled me to desist. 
I had been wondering what was the cause of the 
evident destruction of life in the Grebe-city. As I 
stood there motionless in the canes, a partial solu- 
tion was suggested. A nest of the Western Grebe 
with one egg lay almost within arm’s reach. Sud= 
denly a large Muskrat emerged close by, and 
24 
