104 IN AUSTRALIAN WILDS 



In a dense clump of reeds a Coot's nest, containing 

 five eggs, was concealed a platform of rushes raised 

 a few inches above the water, with a dome of stems 

 and leaves. A second nest discovered was empty, 

 having, no doubt, been robbed by a Water Rat; for 



AUSTRALIAN COOT'S NEST AND EGGS. 



there were some fragments of eggshell, and it was 

 too early for nestlings. Two nests of the Bald Coot 

 [Porphyrio melanonotus] , containing four and six eggs 

 respectively, were located. Roundish-oval in shape, 

 the eggs of this water bird are of a dull greenish or 

 stone colour, blotched with crimson-lake, purple and 

 pale gray. 



Wading along a palisade of reeds, I was startled 

 by a loud "plomp," and turning quickly, saw a big 

 green frog swim away. We were well aware that 



