hatched. The place was somewhat steep and covered with sea-campion down 

 to within fifteen feet of the water, ending in that height of sheer rock. The 

 old duck led the young ones straight for the water, and, feeling rather curious 

 to see how she would negotiate the drop, I followed. On reaching the edge 

 of the rock the young birds hung back, but the old duck without the slightest 

 hesitation shoved them over, one after the other, with her bill, and flew down 

 ;iftcr them. By the time I reached the edge and looked over, she was 

 swimming out to sea with the four ducklings close behind her, apparently 

 none the worse. 



.-,^-"' 



%& 



^ 



TUi^*"*- 



