LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



many proofs of its behavior in this particular, in endeavoring 

 to escape the death which it seemingly knew was awaiting 

 it. 



The eggs are generally two in number ; often a single 

 egg constitutes a nest-full. On the Falkland Islands, they arc 

 said to lay occasionally three. The eggs are creamy-white, 

 and variously marked with divers shades of brown, inter- 

 mingled with splashes of lavender and purple. They are 

 nearly spherical, and measure 2.78 inches in length, and 2. 

 in width. A peculiar variety from Cheraw, S. C.. is de- 

 scribed by Dr. Brewer as being nearly pure white, and 

 only spotted with a few small red and slightly purplish lines 

 and dots about the larger extremity. 



