184 AMONGST THE WOODLAND BIRDS 
lay even in August. It was merely a depres- 
sion in tall grass, but was plentifully lined 
with dark brown, almost black, down, and 
was close to the water. The hen did not 
lay any more eggs, but we had no opportunity 
of noticing whether the brood were hatched. 
After taking the photographs I watched to 
see if she would return to the nest. She did 
return, but not for quite twenty minutes, - 
and then with great caution, swimming and 
making dives towards it, and getting closer 
each time. 
