GAME-BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA 



breeder. Eggs are seldom found in the British Isles before 

 the middle of May, and in high latitudes not until the middle 

 of June. 



Seebohm writes that the nest is generally found in the 

 open, well concealed in long grass or heath, and is very 

 skilfully made. The depression in which it is placed, if deep, 

 is only slenderly lined with dead grass or sedge ; but if shallow, 

 a considerable amount of material is collected to give the 

 required depth. 



The eggs are pale buffish-white, with the faintest possible 

 trace of olive. They vary in length from 2.2 to 1.8 in. 

 and in breadth from 1.6 to 1.4. The nest-down hke that 

 of nearly all ducks, has pale centres, but it may be recog- 

 nised by its very conspicuous white tips. 



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