^^ 



TJieir Eggs and Nests, 223 



vesfetable substances, varying according to the locality 

 and its productions, and lines it with down and 

 feathers, the concealment afforded by the neighbouring 

 herbage being carefully adopted. Eight to ten or 

 twelve eggs are laid, of a buffy-white, If inch long by 

 rather over \\ broad. 



(?• GARGANEY — {Querquedida circia ; formerly, 

 Anas querquedula\ 



Summer Duck, Summer Teal, Pied Wiggon — This 

 is a somewhat rare bird, and is seen sometimes in late 

 autumn, but more usually in the spring. It has been 

 known to breed in this country, though by no means 

 commonly or frequently. It is said to make a nest 

 among reeds of dry grass, rushes and down, and the 

 number of eggs deposited to run from eight or nine to 

 twelve, or even more. They are of a distinct but pale 

 buff colour, 1| inch long by \\ broad. 



^. WIGEON — {Marcea Penelope ; formerly, ^;2^j 

 Penelope). 



Whewer, Whim. — Mr. Waterton has recorded an 

 observation on the habits of this Duck, which is of 

 great interest. Whereas, all the birds of the Duck- 

 kind which we have hitherto named are niofht-feeders. 

 the Wigeon obtains its food by day, " and that food 

 is grass." The great body of our winter visitors of 

 this species retire to the north to breed about the end 

 of March, or April ; but a few have been ascertained 

 to remain for that purpose in north Scotland. A nest, 

 found on Loch Laighal in Sutherlandshire, was " placed 

 in the midst of a clump of grass, and was made of 



