TADOEXA COEXUTA. 113 



sixteen in number ; but these in such cases may have been the produce o£ 

 two birds. They are nearly perfectly white, having only a very faint tinge 

 of green, and are smooth and shining. They are equally round at 

 both ends. 



'" The hen bird sits, as is believed, from about 2G to 30 days, her mate 

 keeping watch hard by and taking her place in the morning and evening 

 while she picks up some food. 



" The young, when hatched, are either carried by their parents in their 

 bills to the water, or soon make their way thither themselves. They hide 

 themselves away at the approach of danger, the old ones, conscious no 

 doubt that they are able thus best to find security, flying off themselves.'" 



The eggs in my own collection agree well with the above descriptions, 

 but are a A^ery pure white with only a faint yellowish-cream tint ; they are 

 very glossy and smooth, even for duck's eggs. 



