144 BRITISH BIRDS, THEIR EGGS AND NESTS. 
a Wild Duck’s nest in many parts of the kingdom is no rarity. 
The nest is made of grass, lined and interwoven with down. It 
is customarily placed on dry ground on the margin of water, 
among reeds and bulrushes, or the like; but may often be found 
at some distance from water, and in places so unlikely for the 
purpose as on the open moor, or in a tree top, or in thie lofty 
deserted nest of a crow. The eggs are from nine to twelve in 
number, sometimes however exceeding the latter limit, of a 
zreenisn-white colour, and about 22 inches long by 13 broad. It 
is long before the young Wild Ducks fly well enough to leave 
their native reed beds, or similar shelter, and, in the state pre- 
ceding that of actual power to fly away, they are called Flappers; 
and many a Flapper hunt have I taken part in in my younger 
days. 
248. GARGANEY—(Aunas querquedula). 
Summer Duck, Summer Teal, Pied Wiggon.—This is a some- 
what 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, 12 inch long by 14 broad. 
249. THAL—(Azas crecca). 
A very pretty little Duck, and the least of all our winter 
visitors of that species. It is of common occurrence, but not 
met with in any great numbers. It breeds abundantly in Nor- 
way and Sweden, and especially in Lapland, whither the great 
oulk of our winter friends retire on the approach of the northern 
summer ; still, pairs often remain throughout the summer im 
various parts of owr country to nest and rear their young. 
