357 



to leave nothing but the small head and neck visible. The habit of carrying the young on then- 

 backs, and of diving in order to shake them off when the young birds exhibit a determined 

 disinclination to leave then snug station, has probably led to the error referred to. I have seen 

 the parent frequently endeavouring to shake off the young one, which, judging from its outcries, 

 disliked and resisted the attempt, until removed in the manner I have mentioned. Nor is the 

 suggestion of Mr. Yarrell at all consistent with the fact that the Grebe, when diving, uses its 

 wings to add to its velocity. 



" Although the Grebe reluctantly takes to flight, there is no doubt that it flies without any 

 great difficulty ; for it is found in situations which it can only reach by rising considerably above 

 the general level of the ground. 



" I have never seen two or more pairs of birds associating together or mingling with the 

 various species of ducks also inhabiting the same lake ; no pair, however, appears to confine itself 

 to any particular station, except when accompanied by young ones, in which case they do not 

 ramble far from the nest until the young ones have attained a considerable size. I visited the 

 nests frequently at night, but never found them occupied after the young were hatched out ; but 

 I have found it warm, as if recently occupied. The birds no doubt left it on the approach of the 

 boat, but their quiet stealthy motion prevented my hearing them do so." 



According to my experience the eggs of this species are ovoido-elliptical in form, measuring 

 2*25 inches in length by l - 45 in breadth, and greenish white thickly smeared and stained with 

 yellowish brown, and often presenting a very dirty appearance. Mr. Potts has sent me a coloured 

 drawing of a specimen in his possession of a uniform dark reddish-brown tint. 



