BIRDS OF THE UNITED STATES. 
147 
and concealment. Well-beaten paths may be seen diverging from the 
nest, which the birds follow in going to and returning from the same. 
When either desires to go' thither, it is never known to resort to flight, 
as this would apparently betray its whereabouts. But the object desired is 
gained by a safer method. The bird swims quietly around the nest, care- 
fully reconnoitres the spot, and if the land is free from peril, crawls 
silently out of the water and waddles her way up to it. 
By reason of the severity of northern winters, as is usually the case 
with most birds that breed iu Labrador and kindred regions the subject 
of our sketch is necessarily comjDelled to delay nesting until the close of 
May, or the beginning of June. By this time the sun has nearly attained 
the limit of his course in this direction, and his influence is begun to be 
felt with considerable force. The female is not long in occupying the 
rude domicile with her small complement of two or three eggs. 
In the duty of incubation, which closely follows that of laying, the 
male does not shirk the responsibility, and seek the companionship of 
others of the same sex to while away the hours in j^iscatorial diversions, 
hut, gallant knight that he is, he never forsakes his mate, unless called 
away by hunger. He is ever ready to resj^ond to her call, and assumes 
the charge of the house and its precious, undevelojjed inmates, with cheer- 
fulness. The period of incubation has never been determined. 
The young from the first are active creatures, and take to the water 
almost as soon as they are hatched. On their first introduction to this 
fluid they prove themselves to be equally exj^ert both in swimming and in 
diving. Few parents are more solicitous for the safety of their progeny. 
When assailed by dangers, they watch over them with assiduous care, 
and lead them in many a devious route through the watery waste, and 
inculcate into their minds many a bit of information and advice which 
could not be better taught otherwise. The young profit by these teachings 
by example, and soon become as shy and vigilant as their illustrious 
parents. In their fresh-water home, they feed ujjon snails, leeches, shrimps. 
