THE COOT. 



The coot is, in this country, a very common bird. 

 It breeds in many of our lakes, rivers, and large ponds, 

 forming a nest of flags among the reeds and other 

 aquatic plants, close to the surface of the water. 



Many of these birds continue in their breeding-places, 

 even in small pieces of water, and though frequently 

 roused, cannot be made to fly farther than from one 

 side to the other. In the isle of Sheppey they are said 

 to breed in great abundance ; and the inhabitants will 

 not suff"er the eggs to be taken, as the birds are a chief 

 article of food. They place their nests among the flags 

 on the surface of the water ; and by heaping a quantity 

 of materials together, raise the fabric above it so as to 

 keep the eggs dry. A sudden gale of wind has been 

 known to move them from their slender moorings, when 

 in this buoyant state ; and it is said, that the nests have 

 been seen floating on the water, with the birds upon 

 them. 



