74 LAMBLLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS - ANSERES. 



Downy young : Plain grayish brown, lighter beneath and over the eyes, the abdomen sometimes, 

 but rarely, almost dirty whitish ; the light superciliary stripe usually distinct and continuous. 



Total length, about 22 inches; wing, 10.50-11.60 ; culmen, 1.75-2.20; length of bill from tip 

 to end of basal angle, 2.45-3.00 ; greatest width of angle, .25-.35 ; tarsus, 1.90-2.20 ; middle toe, 

 2.35-2.70. 1 



With the single exception of the Common Mallard, no Duck is more generally 

 known to the world at large than this species. The value of its down, as an article 

 of luxury and of commerce for several centuries, has given it an intrinsic value, and 

 to its history an interest, beyond that belonging to any of its tribe. The importance 

 of this bird has been increased by the pains and success with which its cultivation 

 has been carried on in Iceland, Norway, and in other parts of Europe. In America, 

 where it is equally common, no corresponding attempts have been made to protect it 

 in the breeding-season. 



The Eider Duck is an Arctic species, common to the Atlantic shores of Europe and 

 America, but nowhere seen on the Pacific coast of Asia or America. It is found in 

 the Arctic Ocean as far west as the Coppermine River in North America, and as far 

 east as Nova Zembla and the islands north of Siberia. 



Messrs. Evans and Sturge found Ducks of this species breeding in immense 

 numbers on the beach of West Spitzbergen. Their nests were mere hollows scooped 

 in the pebbly ground, very scantily lined with down, mixed with seaweed. Subse- 

 quently Professor Newton saw it numerous all around Spitzbergen, but less abun- 

 dant toward the north. Yet on the 15th of July, 1861, flocks of hundreds of male 

 birds were observed at Shoal Point, latitude 80° 10' N., which seemed to be on their 

 way still farther north. 



Mr. Gillette speaks of finding tins species tolerably common all along the coast of 

 Nova Zembla ; but he nowhere saw it in large flocks. Von Heuglin also met with it 

 in the same locality. He found it everywhere on rocky islands, but not so common 

 as in Spitzbergen. As late as August 8 he met with breeding females, but saw no 

 old males. 



Middendorff enumerates the Eider among the birds of Siberia, and includes it in 

 the list of those which penetrate to the extremest northern points. 



Mr. C. W. Shepard, in his interesting sketch of his explorations in the north- 

 western peninsula of Iceland, gives a graphic account of his visit to an island on the 

 northern coast of Iceland, and of the wonderful lameness of the Eider. " The islands 

 of Vigr and Oedey are their headquarters in the northwest of Iceland. In these they 

 live in undisturbed tranquillity. They have become almost domesticated, and are 

 found in vast multitudes, as the young remain and breed in the place of their birth. 

 As the island [Vigr] was approached we could see flocks upon flocks of the sacred 

 birds, and could hear their cooing at a great distance. We landed on a rocky, wave- 

 worn shore. It was the most wonderful ornithological sight conceivable. The Ducks 

 and their nests were everywhere. Great brown Ducks sat upon their nests in masses, 

 and at every step started from under our feet. It was with difficulty that we avoided 

 treading on some of the nests. On the coast of the opposite shore was a wall built of 

 huge stones, just above the high-water level, about three feet in height, and of con- 

 siderable thickness. At the bottom, on both sides of it. alternate stones had been 

 left out, so as to form a series of square compartments for the Ducks to nest in. 

 Almost every compartment was occupied, and as we walked along the shore, a long 

 line of Ducks flew out, one after the other. The surface of the water also was per- 



1 Ten examples. 



