BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 2 23 



nest of tliis Grebe, — a round heap of pond-weed and rotten leaves, 

 flattened at the top and sHghtly hollowed. It was about fifteen 

 inclies wide, and six or eight thick. The top was damp, but not 

 wet, and very warm from exposure to the sun's rays. We drew it 

 on shore — for it was entangled among the branches of a fallen tree, 

 but not attached to them — and presently found on the matted weed 

 just below the surface, in the jDlace where we had dragged it, a large 

 white egg, excessively begrimed with dirt, doubtless from lying on 

 the decayed leaves. On being cleansed, I found it covered with a 

 chalky coat, easily scratched off. A few weeks after, I again visited 

 this pond. On approaching before sunrise (for I had travelled by 

 the brilliant starlight of the tropical heavens) I saw a Grebe sitting 

 on a new nest in the same spot as I had found the former one_ 

 This nest was composed of similar materials, and contained four 

 eggs. Early in December we found another nest, with young just 

 peeping from the egg. It is probable, therefore, that several broods 

 are reared in a season." 



It probably breeds in the Bahamas, but we were unable to find 

 its nest. 



