83 



EIDEK DUCK. 



ST. CUTHBERT'S DUCK. 



PLATE CXCIII. PIG. I. 



Anas mollisgima, PENWANT. MONTAGU. 



Somaterta mollixsima, FLEMING. SELBT. 



THE down with which the nests of these birds are lined is made an 

 article of commerce, and in the countries where they are plentiful the 

 people rob the nests two or three times in the season. The eggs are 

 also taken at the same time, so as to make the birds lay again, 'but 

 it is generally found that if they are robbed more than twice, they 

 begin to desert the place, and if pillaged oftener they quit it entirely/ 



The Eider Duck begins to pair in March, and to lay about the 

 beginning of the last week in May, that is to say, in this country. 

 Incubation lasts from three weeks to a month. The young, as soon as 

 hatched, are led by the dam to the water, and in some instances it 

 appears certain that they must be carried by her in her bill. The 

 male bird at this period leaves his mate, and repairs to the open sea. 



In England the Eiders build so far south as the Fern Islands and 

 Coquet Islaad. In one of the former the 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 make use of hollows in rocks on the main- 

 land, and sand-banks along the sea-shore. Great numbers are frequently 

 placed close together, so that it is hardly possible to walk among them 

 without treading on some. 



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, 

 plucked by the female from herself, is daily added, the quantity "being 



