Birds of Massachusetts. 247 
nest is a second time robbed, the male bird supplies 
his down to cover the last laying ; and thus it is, 
that many in civilized life feather their nests, at the 
expense of this plundered bird. Formerly they bred 
in considerable numbers, from Boston eastward ; but 
they generally go farther north for that purpose, 
though in winter many of them are shot upon our 
coast. Audubon, while in Boston, had twenty-one 
specimens brought him, which two gunners had shot 
in a single day. The same high authority says that 
the eider would be domesticated with great ease, and 
would be invaluable on account of its down, its 
feathers, and its flesh for food. 
The Kine Dvcx, Fuligula spectabilis, is an in- 
habitant of the northern regions, living, generally, 
and finding its food, out at sea. Covered with its 
coat of down, it braves the severity of the arctic 
season; but sometimes, in the depth of winter, 
wanders into our borders. It is said, by old gunners, 
that formerly they were not rare on our coast, and 
that they used to breed in company with the eiders. 
Now they are seldom found. 
The Surr Duck, Fuligula perspicillata, breeds in 
Labrador and the regions of Hudson's Bay, and is 
seen, in spring, bending its course toward the north. 
On their return, some remain here through the win- 
ter; others extend their migrations as far as Florida. 
They feed principally in the sea; and also resort to 
shallows and beaches in search of small shell fish, for 
