84 EIDER DUCK. 



then successively 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, according as each has been supplied. 



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



