CXXIII. 



ANAS QUERQUEDULA. (Linn. 

 Gargany Duck. 



The Gargany commences laying its eggs about the mid- 

 dle of April. The nest which is composed of rushes and 

 dried grass, mixed with the down of the bird, is placed upon 

 the gi-ound, in low boggy situations ; among the coarse her- 

 bage and rushes in marshes, and on the borders of inland 

 waters and rivers. The eggs are from eight to ten and vary 

 but slightly, some having more or less of that colouring 

 which may Irequently be observed on the eggs of our poultry, 

 and which is considered as a mark of superior breeding. 

 Fi- 1. 



ANAS STREPERA. (Linn. 

 Gadwall or Grey Duck. 



The nest of the Gadwall, which is very similar to that ol" 

 the Common Wild Duck, is built upon the ground in retired 

 and marshy districts, amongst the rank aquatic herbage, and 

 in the sedge and rushes which l)order inland pools and 

 meres : the eggs are from ten to twelve in number. I have 

 not yet heard of any well authenticated instance of either of 

 the Ducks now described, having been found breeding in 

 this Country, although I have little doubt that the Gar- 

 gany at least, does, in some of the fenny districts. The eggs 

 from which the drawings are made, were brought from Hol- 

 land by Mr. J. D. Hoy, to whose kindness and liberality I 

 am indebted lor the accompanying information, together with 

 a beautiful series of other rare eggs, some of which I little 

 expected to have the pleasure of adding to this work. 



