698 



6 



small fish of various kinds, larva? of water-insects, worms, and, it is also said, to some extent 

 frogs form its staple food. All I have shot appeared to have been feeding on fish only. 



The breeding-haunts of this Duck are the northern portions of both the Palsearctic and 

 Nearctic Regions, especially (as far as Europe is concerned) Scotland, Scandinavia, and Northern 

 Russia. It usually places its nest on the ground, in quiet unfrequented places amongst the low 

 bushes or rank herbage ; occasionally it is found in the hollow of a tree. I possess a nest, which 

 is now before me, and which is composed of moss, fine grass-bents, and a few small pieces 

 of twigs well felted together and intermixed with down. The eggs, from eight to twelve in 

 number, are usually deposited late in June, or sometimes rather earlier than that. I have a fair 

 series in my collection, one clutch consisting of twelve eggs, which are dull stone-drab, or creamy 

 buff with a greenish grey tinge, and measure from 2f|j by lf§ and 2f^ by lf^ to 2f-;y by lf-J 

 and 2fg by Iff inch. 



As with all the Ducks, the down is invaluable in assisting to authenticate the eggs ; and I 

 may therefore state that the down of this species is light grey with a bluish tinge, the centres 

 being almost white, and the tips greyish white. 



The specimens figured are the male in winter dress and the adult female above described, 

 and are in my collection. 



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



E Mus. H. E. Dresser. 



a, 6. Archangel, June 16th, 1874 (Piottuch). b. Leadenhall Market, London, November, c, 2- Archangel, 

 May 14th, 1874 (Piottuch). d, 6 , e,f, ? . Amoy, February 1867 (R. Swinhoe). g, 6 . Little Musquash 

 Harbour, Bay of Fundy, April 14th, 1862 (H. E. D.) . 



E Mus. Howard Saunders, 

 a, 2 . Albufera de Valencia, November 23rd, 1871 (R. Martin). 



E Mus. J. H. Gurney, jun. 



a, 6 . Filey, Yorkshire, November 5th, 1868 {D. Brown) . b,6 . Belford, February 26th, 1868 (Pape) . c, 6 . 

 Baltasund, Shetland, May 6th, 1868 (Saocby) . 



