36 Vallentin, Notes on the Falkland Islands. 



ever seen, although upwards of nine eggs have been 

 recorded. Five eggs are usually to be found. They are 

 laid early in November. In shape, the eggs of this 

 species are oval in outline, smooth and glossy externally, 

 and light cream in colour. They measure 82 to 84 mm. 

 in length, and from 56 to 57 mm. in width. 



Anas cristata, "Grey Duck." I have never seen this 

 species alive or even examined its nest, although numbers 

 are brought into Stanley dead by the schooners trading 

 round the islands. They are excellent eating. A single 

 egg of this species is in my possession. It is oval in out- 

 line, smooth, and cream coloured. It measures 66 mm. in 

 length, and 46 mm. in breadth. 



Nettion flavirostre, " Teal." Abundant in places 

 throughout the Falkland Archipelago. These birds are 

 also highly esteemed for table purposes. I know nothing 

 of the nesting habits of this species, but I have three eggs 

 in my collection. They are oval in shape, smooth, and 

 with a slight external gloss. In colour they resemble the 

 eggs of the duck, being light cream. They measure from 

 54 mm. to 57 mm, in length, and from 40 to 41 mm. in 

 breadth. 



Chloephaga hybrida, " Kelp Goose." Universally dis- 

 tributed around the shores of the Falkland isles. This 

 species never appears to go in flocks, six is the largest 

 number I have ever seen together. They seem to pair for 

 life. 



During the nesting season, November, the snow-white 

 gander, standing like a sentry, forms a conspicuous object 

 along the sea-shore. I have quite satisfied my mind by 

 observing this species feeding along the sea-shore on 

 numberless occasions, and also by killing several and 

 examining the contents of the gut, that these birds do not 

 usually devour mollusks, as stated by numerous writers, 



