60 



about the end of autumn and departs about the 

 middle of April. They procure their food by 

 diving, at which they are remarkably expert, and 

 can remain a long time under water. In the sum- 

 mer they return to the Arctic regions to breed, 

 and have been occasionally found breeding in Lap- 

 land. The nest is constructed near the borders of 

 a lake, not far from the sea, under the low boughs 

 of bushes which are matted together with the 

 coarse herbage. It is large, almost flat, and very 

 thick, the feathers of the female, but not usually 

 down, being used in its construction. The eggs, 

 generally six in number, are of a pale cream colour 

 tinged with green. 



DUCK, COMMON SHIELDKAKE. 



ANAS TADOBNA, Lin. 



This very beautiful bird is a permanent resident 

 in Britain, but is sparingly met with along our 

 coasts, in moist places suitable to its habits. It is 

 generally observed in pairs all the year round, 

 although frequently in winter and spring large 

 flocks may be seen. It feeds chiefly in wet pas- 

 tures near the sea, in marshy places and on wet 

 sands. It walks with ease, and flies with speed in 

 the manner of the Wild Duck. The nest is gene- 

 rally placed in a hole in the sand, or pasture ground 

 near the shore, arid is lined with down. The eggs, 



