250 



of the species with which we are more familiar ; like them 

 it breeds on the margins of ponds, and lays four or five 

 eggs. 



THE LITTLE GREBE. Podiceps minor. The Dabchick, 

 as this species is familiarly termed, is, we presume, by far 

 the most common of all the British Grebes, and, like the 

 foregoing species, constructs its nest of reeds, flags, rushes, 

 etc., by the sides of lakes, ponds, and rivers. The number 

 of its eggs is generally four, though at times more may be 

 laid. It is an admirable diver, and can remain long beneath 

 the water, and when disturbed very rarely seeks safety by 

 flight, but plunging beneath the surface of the lake or 

 stream, it hastens to the nearest cover, and disappears from 

 view. 



ALCADJE. AUKS. 



The members of this family are also expert divers, but 

 strictly oceanic, never resorting to fresh waters; though 

 some of them fly well, yet in others the wings cease to be 

 organs of flight, and serve only to assist in aquatic progres- 

 sion. The legs are short but powerful, and placed poste- 

 riorly, so that in resting on the rocks the birds assume an 



