THE DUCK. 



117 



The Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator, 

 genus Mergus] was found by Mr. Selby and Sir 

 William Jardine breeding on the shores of Loch 

 Awe, as also by others in the Hebrides, Shetland, 

 and Ireland. The nest is placed among grass in a 

 hole scooped in the earth, forming a perfect circle ; 

 the eggs are six in number, and grayish cream-colour. 



LONG-TAILED DUCK. 



The Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) is 

 one of the most beautiful of our ducks. It is 20 

 inches long, 30 inches in expanse of wings, and 

 with a beautiful crest on the head. The bill is long 

 and toothed, which enables it to seize fish with great 

 facility ; the head and upper part of the neck a beau- 

 tiful green, with a purple sheen. The female is much 

 plainer in plumage. 



