Rev. Julian Tuck. Iceland is said to be tlie nearest 

 point to the British Islands where the Harlequin 

 Duck is to be found ; Mr. Shepherd observed it in 

 considerable numbers in the north-west portion, fre- 

 quenting the Laxa and other rapid streams, and making 

 its nest in the holes of banks ; and Dr. Kruper states 

 that near Myvatn it always selects holes in the lava 

 or under stones, the eggs being buried in a whitish 

 down. 



There are no authenticated instances of the occur- 

 rence of this species on any part of the continent of 

 Europe, but it has been reported as a rare summer 

 visitor to the neighbourhood of Archangel. The 

 Harlequin Duck is found in the eastern half of Asiatic 

 Siberia, and occurs in Northern Japan in winter. In 

 North America this Duck is said to breed from New- 

 foundland to high Arctic regions, and wdnters south to 

 the middle Atlantic States and the Ohio Valley. It has 

 been observed on both coasts of Greenland. In New- 

 foundland, where these birds are known by the name of 

 " Lords " and " Ladies," they are said to nest in hollow 

 trees. Montague Chamberlain says : — " The favourite 

 resort of these birds in summer is on the swift currents 

 of a secluded stream or the surging pool at the base 

 of a fall. In winter they are found in the bays and 

 estuaries on the sea-coast. They swim buoyantly and 

 dive with ease. Their flight is swift and powerful, and 

 being shy and vigilant they are not easily shot." I 

 find it stated by another author that these Ducks, 

 young and old, tumble over and through rapids and 

 cascades in an astonishing manner. 



