178 LONG-TAILED HAHELD. 



weather at the distance of several miles. They breed 

 in Spitzbergen, Iceland, and other northern parts, 

 making their nest among the grass near the sea ; and 

 about the middle of June lay from ten to fourteen 

 bluish-white eggs : the nest is lined with the down 

 from the breast of the female, which is said to be 

 equally valuable with that of the Eider. They are 

 hardy birds and excellent divers, and, from the nature 

 of their food, their flesh is rancid and fishy, and held 

 in no great estimation. 



