60 
about the end of autumn and departs about the 
middle of April. They procure their food by 
diving, at which they are remarkably expert, and 
can remain a long time under water. In the sum- 
mer they return to the Arctic regions to breed, 
and have been occasionally found breeding in Lap- 
land. The nest is constructed near the borders of 
a lake, not far from the sea, under the low boughs 
of bushes which are matted together with the 
coarse herbage. Itis large, almost flat, and very 
thick, the feathers of the female, but not usually 
down, being used in its construction. The eggs, 
generally six in number, are ofa pale cream colour 
tinged with green. 
DUCK, COMMON SHIELDRAKE. 
ANAS TADORNA, Lin. 
This very beautiful bird is a permanent resident 
in Britain, but is sparingly met with along our 
coasts, in moist places suitable to its habits. It is 
generally observed in pairs all the year round, 
although frequently in winter and spring large 
flocks may be seen. It feeds chiefly in wet pas- 
tures near the sea, in marshy places and on wet 
sands. It walks with ease, and flies with speed in 
the manner of the Wild Duck. The nest is gene- 
rally placed in a hole in the sand, or pasture ground 
near the shore, and is lined with down. The eggs, 
