511 



most parts, we have not had an opportunity of taking its nest ; but in northern Finland Dresser 

 has repeatedly procured the nests of this Duck, which he found on the ground amongst the grass, 

 oftenest under some low bush, which served to conceal it, and sometimes at a considerable 

 distance from the water. The eggs, from eight to ten in number, are oval in shape, measure 

 lf-jy in length by 1^-f in width, and are pale yellowish-white in colour, not unlike old ivory. 

 The female incubates ; but during the breeding-season the males, who consort together, are never 

 found very far distant from the sitting female. When the young are hatched, both male and 

 female appear to be equally unremitting in their attention to them. 



Mr. Robson, of Ortakeny, Turkey, informs us that " the Common Teal is abundant in 

 Turkey, Asia Minor, and Europe, and can be seen in the game-shops throughout the whole 

 winter, but more commonly during the spring and autumn migrations. In the summer they 

 retire to breed in various localities, near lakes, in the interior of Asia Minor and Europe." 



Our Plate is taken from an adult pah* of birds, in our collection, the male being from 

 Sweden, the female from Cookham, in Berkshire. 



In the preparation of the above article we have examined the following specimens : — 



E Mus. Sharpe and Dresser. 



a. d . Sweden, May 1st, 1868 (Moeschler). b. 2 . Cookham, April 2nd, 1870 (/. Ford) . c. 2 ■ Amoy, Oct. 15, 

 1866 (Swinhoe). 



E Mus. H. B. Tristram. 



a. Wroxham, Norfolk {H. B. T.). b. R. Jordan (H. B. T.). c. Malta {H. B. T.). 



