102 LAKES AND RIVERS. 



common in those of the eastern counties. It forms 

 its nest of reeds and dry aquatic plants on the margin 

 of the water, but not unfrequently so near that its 

 nest is detached by the rising water until it floats. 

 The eggs are four in number, usually a long oval 

 pointed at each end. They are of a pale blue colour, 



GREBE. 



coated over with a chalky crust which usually obscures 

 the colour. They are stained by the nest in various 

 ways, being sometimes quite yellow. The grebe is 

 a shy bird, difficult to approach, but is carefully 

 sought for, for the sake of its breast feathers, which 

 ladies fancy as an article of dress. It is 2 2 inches 

 long, 30 inches in expanse of wings, and weighs from 

 two to three pounds. 



