INDIAN DUCKS AND THEIR ALLIES. 221 
Sir W, Jardine and Mr. Selby found nests of this species when on a 
fishing excursion upon Loch Awein Argyleshire. One of these nests 
was upon a small wooded island, placed among thick brushwood, under 
the covert of a projecting rock, and completely surrounded with nettles, 
Jong grasses and ferns. It was carefully made of moss, plucked from 
the adjoining rocks, mixed with the down of the bird, both in structure 
and materials resembling that of the Hider Duck. It contained nine 
egos of a rich reddish-yellow or fawn-colour. The bird was remarkably 
tame, sitting until nearly taken with a small hand net. Sir W. Jardine 
very kindly sent me one of these eggs for my collection ; it measured 
two inches-and-a-half in length and one inch-and-three-quarters in 
breadth.” 
Dresser also says that “ it usually places its nest upon the ground, in 
quiet, unfrequented places amongst the low bushes or rank herbage ; 
occasionally it is found in the hollow of a tree. I possess a nest, which 
is now before me, and which is composed of moss, fine grass bents, and 
a few small pieces of twigs well felted together and mixed with down.” 
The eggs, from eight to twelve in number, are usually deposited late 
in June or somewhat earlier than that.’ 
He describes the eggs as being “ A dull stone drab or creamy buff 
with a greenish grey tinge, and measuring approximately from 2°55" to 
2°80" in length and 1°70" to 1°85" in breadth.” 
Morris, who gives a longer note on the nidification of the Red- 
breasted Merganser than on most ducks, observes: ‘‘ These birds build, 
it seems, on the borders of, and small islands in, lakes, whether of fresh 
or salt-water, and rivers, preferring such as have a growth of wood, 
the nest being placed a few yards from the edge, at the foot of the 
tree, or under the shelter of brushwood, in the midst of grass, fern, 
nettles, or other wild vegetation. Also in divers other situations, 
among stones in a hollow, on the bare ground, at the top of a tall tree, 
or in the deserted nest of some other bird, or in the end of a deep 
recess. It has been known, moreover, in a bleak and unsbeltered 
situation, on an island in the sea, atsome distance from the main 
land. The materials of its composition are moss, flags, stalks, 
grass, small roots and feathers, placed careiessly together, and inter- 
mixed with the down of the bird, added to, it appears, as incubation 
advances,” 
