456 



NATURAL HISTORY. 



ducks are still in existence, but a few years more will certainly see the last 

 of them. 



The eider-ducks do not seem to be in any. clanger of immediate exter- 

 mination ; for in those northern countries where they are most abundant 





Fig. .1.%. — Eider-duck (Somateria mollissima). 



they are carefully protected. In the winter it comes as far south as New 

 England, bul its proper home is in Newfoundland, Labrador, Greenland, 

 [celandj and Norway. Here it builds its nest on the ground, constructing 

 it of moss, grass, and sea-weed, and then lining it with the soft down which 

 the mother plucks from her own breast. This down is highly prized, and 

 in the north gives this bird a considerable commercial importance. At the 









