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LAKES AND STREAMS 



mouth. In the chamber forming the termination of the burrow, the bird places 

 a layer of fish-bones and the harder portions of insects which have been ejected 

 from its throat ; and on this foundation are deposited the eggs, to the number of 

 seven, seldom more or less. These are of a glossy pinkish white, and there is but 

 one clutch, which is laid from the middle of April until well on into May. The 



A KINGFISHER OX THE WATCH. 



temperate and warm countries of Europe, from Denmark and the Baltic provinces 

 to the south, form the breeding-area of the kingfisher in Europe. In Asia, where 

 these birds are particularly numerous on the banks of the clear rivers of the 

 Altai, the breeding-area extends as far as the Irtisch. In Africa the kingfisher 

 is believed to breed on the Senegal : it remains in Spain all the year round, 

 but in Greece, where it is frecpuently seen in winter, it never breeds. It 

 is well known as a migrant and resident in the British Isles, but is not very 



