THE BIRDS OF CUMBERLAND. 175 



In 1884, a few nests, also at Ravenglass, contained 

 eggs on June 16th, though the majority of the 

 young were well-grown, and some " fliers " had 

 quitted the nursery with their parents. 



The nest varies in size, being occasionally almost 

 nominal, but in some instances a very cumbrous pile. 

 The eggs vary considerably, the prettiest variety 

 being of a bluish-green ground-colour, with few or 

 no markings. 



At Ravenglass, the nests are built among the 

 sandhills on the north side of the estuary, the birds 

 being so numerous that the utmost care is needed 

 to avoid treading the young ones under foot. 



It is amusing to capture a few of the larger 

 nestlings, and to place them on the edge of the 

 highest sandhills ; their stolid appearance becomes 

 irresistibly comical, as they slip down a few feet 

 and then attempt to jjull up, as though resenting 

 the indignity ; it is in vain, however, for the sand 

 wall slip beneath them, and down they glide nolenies 

 to the bottom of the pit. 



The downy young are fed upon beetles and 

 earthworms ; and it is surprising to notice the 

 quantity which will be disgorged in a compact 

 mass, if the stomach and crop of a healthy indi- 

 vidual be patted with sufticient persistence as to 

 induce the sensations of sea-sickness. When the 

 young are strong on the wing, the adults lead them 

 to inland rivers and salt marshes, where they find 

 a plentiful supply of food. They are not by any 

 means dainty feeders, but, on the contrary, gather 

 offal with avidity. During the spring, large troupes 



