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somewhat clumsy structure, formed of the roots and leaves of various aquatic plants. We have 

 found it huilt against the stem of the Carex virgata, beneath the drooping leaves of which it was 

 perfectly concealed from casual observation. Situated just within the swampy side of a small 



lake, it was raised a few inches only above the water-level When alarmed on the 



water, the parent birds have a knack of tucking the young under the wing, so that its head is 

 alone visible ; they dive and swim thus encumbered with the greatest ease." 



The eggs of the Dabchick, usually two in number, are of a perfect elliptical form, and 

 greenish white when first laid, with a granulate surface, and often presenting round warty excres- 

 cences. Examples vary slightly as to size ; but an average specimen measures 1*7 inch in length 

 by 1 in breadth. After long incubation the surface of the shell becomes smeared and stained to 

 a yellowish brown colour. 



