Hd ANAS PENELOPE. 
in small companies were swimming about in the neighbourhood, and 
to see them is alone worth a journey of many miles, especially as 
miles are got over in our island. In Lapland also several pairs are 
generally to be seen together, perhaps as much from the favourable- 
ness of certain spots as from the love of society. No Duck is so 
common here. Wherever there is a still bay or recess in the river 
with water-plants and willows, there is sure to be a pair or two of 
Wigeons, and near the bank they make their nest. In the lakes 
too they are frequently to be found. They are tamer than any 
of the other Ducks and often let a boat pass quite near, while they 
are constantly swimming about just before houses. But I am sorry 
to say that they are perhaps unmolested more from the want of time 
to disturb them than anything else. Numbers of the small flappers 
of Wigeons, Pintails, and other birds are caught with dogs in the 
sedge hy the waterside. The down of the nest is somewhat like 
that of the Pintail, but looser looking—the same white centres 
softened by the transparent grey outside of each little tuft, yet the 
filaments are longer and their white bars larger and more distinct. 
A nest is an extremely pretty sight, even when separated from its 
native bank, and all the accompaniments of flowers, roots, moss, and 
lichens—of lights and shadows. Mr. John Hancock has one trans- 
planted with great care to his choice studio at Newcastle-upon-Tyne. 
The eggs seem to be usually from six to ten in number. When 
fresh they are mostly of a rich cream colour, but some are even 
then quite white. 
[The above was written at Muoniovara, 2nd of March, 1855, for 
Mr, Hewitson’s use, and was in part printed by him in the third edition 
of his work. ] 
§ 5498. One.—Myvatn, Iceland, June, 1843. From Mr. 
Proctor, 1844. 
§ 5499. One.—Iceland, 1846. From Mr. Graham, 1847. 
Said by Mr. Graham to have been from the first nest Mr. Henry 
Milner took. Mr. Milner was inclined to recognize it. 
§ 5500. One——Loch Naver, Sutherland, 20 May, 1847. 
“1. Milner.” From Mr. Henry Milner. 
