256 



but as some of the eggs which it contained were hatched out, under a hen, on November 18, it is 

 inferred that the Shoveller commenced her nest about the first week of October. The young 

 birds so hatched greatly resembled those of the Grey Duck (Anas superciliosa) in colour, but 

 could be readily distinguished by the peculiar form of the bill *. 



The number of eggs is no doubt variable ; for I have a note of the occurrence of a nest at 

 Kaiapoi (Canterbury) containing no less than thirteen. 



* Trans. New-Zealand Inst. 1870, vol. iii. p. 103, 



