observed on white eggs, occasioned by pieces of the yolk 

 sticking to tlie shell. The egg figured is a pretty example 

 of the species, and is more spotted than common ; it is very 

 difficult to procure good specimens, and unless they are taken 

 quite fresh they become stained and dirtied throughout, in 

 the same manner as the eggs of the Grebes, and cannot after- 

 wards be cleaned. The nest, when any, which is only some- 

 times the case, is composed of a small quantity of grass 

 placed in a hole at the depth of two or three feet. The bird 

 sits very closely, allowing itself to be caught upon its nest ; 

 of this I have frequently had very feeling experience when 

 seeking for its eggs, and after trying various holes to no pur- 

 pose, have, at last, had notice of my success, by the no means 

 pleasant gripe of its sharp and powerful beak with which it 

 lays so strong a hold of your finger as to allow itself to be 

 drawn out by it. Its time of beginning to breed is the first 

 week in June. 



