The Pochards. 305 



upper end of the marsh of Zana, I used 

 frequently to see several pairs of the Red- 

 crested Duck. Two nests only were 

 obtained. The second lot, consisting of 

 seven eggs, were of a most brilliant fresh- 

 green colour when unblown ; the contents 

 were no sooner expelled, and the egg dry, 

 than the delicate tints were gone, and 

 their beauty sadly diminished." 



The eggs are nearly truly elliptical, 

 very smooth, and fairly glossy. In colour 

 they are a pale delicate green. They 

 measure from 2*3 to 2*45 in length and 

 from i '5 5 to 1*75 in breadth. 



The adult male has the forehead, crown 

 and crest cinnamon ; the whole of the sides 

 of the head, the chin, throat, and the sides 

 and front of the upper neck rich vinous 

 chestnut. The hindneck and the sides 

 and front of the lower neck are black, the 

 feathers short and of a velvety texture. 

 The upper part of the mantle, the sides 

 of the breast, and the lower plumage are 

 glossy dark brown. A very large white 

 patch occupies nearly the whole of the 

 side of the body, and the black feathers 

 margining this patch are more or less 

 vermiculated with white. The lower part 

 of the mantle and the whole back are 

 pale drab-brown, many of the feathers next 



VOL. II. 2O 



