Wild Ducks and Duck Decoying. 213 



individuals. On one island, that of Isafjardarjup, 

 the eider ducks are said to nest in thousands. 

 Speaking of the breeding sites by the shore, 

 Mr. Shepherd, who visited the colony, tells us 

 that the brown ducks sat upon their nests in 

 masses, and at every step started from beneath 

 the feet. On this island, of three-quarters of a 

 mile in length, it was difficult to walk without 

 stepping into the nests. The island was one that 

 was farmed. A thick stone breakwater ran along 

 its coasts just above high- water mark. At the 

 bottom and sides of the wall, alternate stones 

 had been left out so as to form a series of com- 

 partments for the ducks to nest in. Every 

 compartment was tenanted, and as the visitors 

 walked along the ducks flew out all along the 

 line. These were welcomed by the white 

 drakes, which were tossing on the water, " with 

 loud and clamorous cooing." A farmhouse on 

 the island was tenanted in like manner. The 

 house itself was "a great marvel." Ducks were 

 hatching on the turf walls which surrounded it, 

 in the window embrasures, on the ground, on 

 the roof. " The house was fringed with ducks," 

 and " a duck sat in the scraper." Then a grassy 

 bank close by was cut into squares, every one of 

 which was occupied. A windmill was packed ; 

 and so was every available object on the island 

 mounds, rock, and crevices. This was an eider- 

 down farm. So tame were the ducks as to allow 



