272 THE WALKS ABROAD OF 



that might be sufficient to kill the young grebe in 

 the egg, it is necessary, while utilising the heat, to 

 neutralise the effect of the gases. The grebe is not 

 nonplussed by such a trifle, and the nest is accord- 

 ingly constructed and ballasted in such a manner 

 that the eggs are partly in the water, and by this 

 the gases are dissolved or absorbed as fast as they are 

 formed.* 



It must be admitted that a graduate of one of our 

 technical colleges could not have solved the problem 

 (which, as has been seen, is not without its difficul- 

 ties) proposed by nature to the grebe in a happier 

 manner. 



The time for departure had now come, so with 

 some regret they entered the keeper's lodge, then put 

 to the horse, and at last departed, only, however, 

 after Franceschini had filled the vacant places of the 

 vehicle with a whole assortment of birds carefully 

 stowed away. 



Just as they were reaching their own cottage 



"I have a proposal to make to you," said Uncle 

 Bob, " an excursion of two days." 



The idea was at once approved of. 



" Then, if you please, you must get everything in 

 readiness to-night. To-morrow morning we embark 



* Paul Noel. "Feuille des jeunes Naturalists," No. 116. (But it is 

 probable that in the construction of this theory imagination has taken too 

 large a part. Translator.} 



