70 BIRDS' NESTS. 



descended nearly perpendicularly for a little, 

 and then rose again; while others turned in 

 many directions. In all, however, the nest 

 was a little elevated above the entrance of the 

 cell, no doubt to get rid of moisture. The 

 materials of the nest were uniformly a few 

 straws of hay, and many whitish feathers. 

 The number of eggs usually found in each nest 

 was six. They are small, of a snow-white colour, 

 tinged with a sulphureous yellow when newly 

 laid. This tinge disappears when the eggs are 

 blown, and arises from the yolk shining through 

 the shell, which is of a very fine, thin texture. 

 Of all our swallows, these seem to be the most 

 social, nestling in numerous communities, and 

 often within a few inches of each other. 



LESSER GREBE OR DABCHICK. Podiceps 



minor. 

 PLATE I. FIG. 4. 



THOUGH this amusing little diver is common 

 enough in our lakes and larger rivers, its nest 



