96 EIDER DUCK 



remains of an old lighthouse appears to be a favourite 

 resort, and within the ruined and deserted walls several 

 have been accustomed to lay. They seem to prefer islands 

 for the purpose, but also to make use of hollows in rocks on 

 the mainland, and sand-banks along the sea-shore. Great 

 numbers of nests are frequently placed close together, so that 

 it is not easy to walk among them. 



It seems that at first the nest has only grass, lichens, 

 or sea-weed for its composition, but when all, or nearly 

 all, the eggs are laid, down is plucked by the female from 

 her breast and daily added, the quantity being thus succes- 

 sively increased. If the bird leaves her charge for a time, 

 the eggs are carefully covered over and concealed, either with 

 down or grass and leaves. 



The eggs, of a light green colour, are usually five to 

 eight in number, but not very unfrequently as many as eight 

 or even ten are found together, two birds having laid in the 

 same place. Both, it appears in that case, sit together in an 

 amicable manner. 



