EGGS AND EGG-COLLECTING, 155 



season, from the time I have known her to occupy the 

 same nest. 



THE SPOONBILL. 



THE Spoonbill lays from two to four eggs, which vary in 

 colour, some being entirely white, whilst others are spotted 

 with a light brownish-red. The nest is situated in trees, 

 or amongst the reeds and rushes on the ground, the bird 

 seeming, like the Heron, partial to society. If the 

 nature of the position will permit, several nests are situated 

 close together, and are composed of sticks, coarse grass, 

 and dried roots carelessly thrown together. 



THE PTARMIGAN. 



THIS bird lays from six to fifteen eggs of a pale red, 

 brown or white, blotched with two shades of darker brown. 

 Her nest is situated on the ground, on the bleak stony 

 mountain-tops of the mainland of Scotland and the sur- 

 rounding islands. It is merely a cavity scratched in the 

 ground, in which the hen lays her eggs. 



THE PEREGRINE FALCON. 



THIS noble bird builds her nest of sticks, and places it 

 amongst rugged cliffs, chiefly round the coast. She lays 

 three or four eggs of a red-brown colour, with darker 

 blotches and clouds. 



