230 ORNAMENTAL WATERFOWL. 
GENUS ARCTONETTA. 
The most recent classification has placed Fischer’s Eider 
in the above genus, of which it is the sole representative. 
FISCHER’S EIDER. 
(Arctonetta fischert. Lampronetta fischert. Somateria fischeri). 
This remarkable Duck is as yet unknown in captivity. 
We are, therefore, indebted for the knowledge we possess 
of its habits, to those naturalists who have studied it in its 
native haunts; the best account we possess being that of 
Baird, Brewer, and Ridgway, who treat of it in their well- 
known work on the “ Birds of North America.” From this we 
learn that Fischer’s Eider, or “as it is often called, the 
*‘Spectacled Eider,” inhabits the coast of Alaska and the 
islands adjacent. We are informed that this Eider breeds only 
in the marshes lying between the island of St. Michael and the 
mainland, where it constructs its nest on a tussock just above 
water level, of an oval shape, lined with dry grasses. A nest 
discovered by Mr. Dall contained two small eggs of a brownish- 
olive colour, which were embedded in down from the breast 
of the parent bird. During the months of July and August, 
Fischer’s Eider is killed in large quantities by the Esquimaux, 
who knock the birds down with clubs, as that being the 
moulting season they are unable to fly, he skins are used as 
caps, which are further ornamented with the velvety green 
plumage of the heads. 
Male. —Head yellowish-green, the eye surrounded by 
a large white spot, two crescent-shaped marks before and 
behind it, of glossy black; the remainder of head and neck 
white. Lower body plumbeous drab; back yellowish-white ; 
bill orange ; eye dark hazel: feet and legs brown. 
