BIRDS' NESTS. 71 



is by no means of frequent occurrence ; not 

 that there is any doubt of its breeding habi- 

 tually with us, but that it is usually placed 

 in situations which are difficult of access. It 

 chooses the side of a lake or river, where, 

 among reeds, flags, and other tall aquatic 

 plants, it constructs a rather large nest, if not 

 actually on the surface of the water, yet not 

 much raised above it. The nest itself is com- 

 posed of soft green water-weeds and mosses, 

 mixed with slime. The eggs are from four to 

 six, about an inch and a half long, of a chalky 

 white when first laid, but soon becoming dis- 

 coloured by the substance of the nest, and the 

 soiled feet of the parent bird. Their shape is 

 peculiar, as they are nearly equally pointed at 

 both ends. When the parent bird quits them 

 in search of food, she invariably covers them 

 with part of the materials of the nest, whether 

 for the purpose of hiding them, or of retaining 

 their heat, it is hard to say. However this 

 may be, so effectually are they concealed, that 



