40 NOTICE OF THE BREEDING OF THE TUFTED DUCK. 
were Tufted Ducks. The male was in full plumage; he carried 
his flank feathers quite over the wing, which gave him a very 
odd appearance; in fact, the white almost met over the back. It 
was clear that they were also breeding this year, for they would 
not leave the water unless driven from it. 
I remained at Wallington from the 24th of May till the morn- 
ing of the 28th, and during that time made many searches to 
find the nest, but without success. I had the satisfaction, in 
company with Sir Walter, and Mr. Wooster, of observing the 
birds each day. The pond is surrounded with high trees, and 
between the trees and the water’s edge there are clumps of 
Rhododendrons and other evergreens. 
At day-break of the 28th, Mr. Wooster and I visited the pond 
for a final search before I left. We thought by going early we 
should surprise the duck on the eggs, if she were sittmg. We 
were disappointed, however, to observe her swimming about, as 
usual, with her mate, and were therefore perfectly satisfied that 
she had not yet commenced to sit; I left, however, quite assured 
I should soon have the satisfaction of hearing from Wallington 
that the nest had been found, as it was evident, from the limited 
nature of the locality, it must be ultimately discovered. Accord- 
ingly, on the 21st of June, I received a letter from Sir Walter, 
stating that the Tufted Duck’s nest had been found, and I cannot 
do better than quote the letter, which is as follows:—“ I will to- 
morrow send you, by carrier, an egg of the Tufted Duck, whose 
nest we have at last found, with nine eggs in it; it is among sedges 
and willows made of sedges, and a slight lining of down. The 
male disappeared about a fortnight ago, and left his mate to 
bring up her family alone, as she did last year, when he was never 
seen, and I hope she will succeed as well this season, and that we 
may look for more of the family to breed with us another year.” 
I had afterwards the satisfaction of seeing the nest—it was 
placed on a small island, near the middle of the pond. 
Last year (1860) three made their appearance on the same 
piece of water—one male and two females. I was at Wallington 
from the 17th to the 19th of May, and saw them all three, but 
could not find the nest. 
