THE SURF SCOTER, ETC. 205 



The surf scoter (O.perspidllata). Occasionally seen 

 in Finmark, where a few pairs are said to breed. Very 

 little is known of its nidification, except that the eggs 

 are said to be white. 



The tufted duck (Fuligula cristata). This bird is 

 called in Norway the top-and, or crested duck. It is 

 common in Finmark, where it breeds. Observed near 

 Christiania and in the southern parts of this country 

 in autumn. The Swedes give it the name of viggen, 

 or the wedge, from its fanciful resemblance to that ar- 

 ticle, as the bird lies on the surface of the water. The 

 nest contains from six to eight greenish-gray eggs. 

 The flesh is very oily and fat, and the Norwegian pea- 

 sants make soup of it. 



The scaup duck (F. marila). Called here the 

 berq-and. or mountain duck. Breeds in Finmark, and 



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also, so it is said, in the western fjelds of this country. 

 The nest is made in the herbage by the side of a lake, 

 and contains from eight to ten olive-gray eggs, tinged 

 with green. Incubation begins at the end of May. 



The pochard (F.ferina) is one of the rarest ducks 

 in this country. It is common enough in Iceland, 

 where it breeds. Passes through Norway when mi- 

 grating. The Swedes give it the name of rodhalsad 

 dykand, or red-necked diving duck. The nest is made 

 in coarse herbage by the water, and the bird lines it 

 with down from her own breast. She lays from nine 

 to fourteen yellowish-gray eggs, sometimes tinted with 

 green. Nilsson says of it, " Kottet dr fortraffligt" or, 

 " its flesh is excellent." 



The ferruginous duck (F. nyroca) is of rare occur- 

 rence here. It is said to breed in Schleswig and 

 Holstein. 



