EIDEK DUCK. 37 



where the breeding-places are respected, the number of nests 

 increases annually to a wonderful degree, and in consequence 

 the coasts become literally covered with the nests of these 

 birds. On the Island of Wildoe, near Iceland, where only a 

 single family resides, the place is entirely peopled by tame 

 birds of this species during the breeding-season. The ground 

 chosen for the nest is an undulating sea-coast or island, the 

 same being scantily covered by low herbage, low birch trees, 

 juniper or lichens, and at intervals interspersed with sand 

 and shingle.' 



The Eiders pair in March, and the males have frequent 

 contests with each other. 



'About April,' writes Selby, 'they are seen assembling in small 

 groups along the shores of the mainland, from whence they 

 cross over to the islands in May; soon after which the females 

 begin to prepare their nests, and they usually commence laying 

 about the 20th. of that month. The males, as soon as this 

 takes place, and incubation commences, leave the females, and 

 again spread themselves along the shore in companies of four 

 or five together, and do not, as far as my observation goes, 

 'continue on watch near the shore as long as the females remain 

 sitting,' and then desert her and the newly-hatched brood, as 

 mentioned in Shaw's Zoology.' 



'In the localities,' says Meyer, 'where the Eider Duck breeds, 

 it is so careless, or rather so little awed by the presence of 

 mankind, that it makes its nest not only near but among 

 human habitations, and the female allows persons not only to 

 take her eggs from her, but even to touch her without 

 shewing any timidity; the male bird is at the same time 

 warily approached within gunshot, either on the water or land.' 

 The down with which the nests of these birds are lined, 

 is made an article of commerce, and in the countries where 

 they are plentiful, the people rob the nest two or three times 

 in the season. The eggs are also taken at the same time, 

 so as to make the birds lay again, 'but it is generally found 

 that if they are robbed more than twice, they begin to desert 

 the place, and if pillaged oftener they quit it entirely.' 



'A few days after the young Ducks leave the eggs,' says 

 Bishop Stanley, they proceed to the water under the guidance 

 of their dam, who swims with them on her back to some 

 distance, when, making a sudden dive, she abandons them to 

 themselves, and re-appearing, tempts them to come towards 

 her; so that on the first trial they commonly become expert 



