liaeS AND EGG-COLLECTING. 83 



small shells used wlien a rocky place instead of a sandy 

 beach has been chosen for breeding upon. Its nest is 

 generally well above high-water mark, amongst fine sandj 

 shingle, or on bare rock round our coast, and on the shores 

 of inland sheets of water. The eggs number four, and 

 vary from pale bufE to stone or cream colour, spotted and 

 speckled all over with small brownish-black and under- 

 lying inky-grey marks. 



THE MANX SHEARWATER. 



The Manx Shearwater breeds on the western coasts of 

 England and Scotland, in the Hebrides and islands to the 

 north of Scotland ; also in several parts of the Irish coast 

 and the off-lying islands. Its nest is situated at the end 

 of a deep burrow, which is generally dug by the bird itself. 

 Some observers have reported it to consist of bits of grass 

 and stalks, and others have found no attempt at all at 

 nest-building in some of the burrows they have opened. It 

 lays a single white, smooth egg. 



THE PINTAIL DUCK. 



This uncommon Duck breeds in one or two parts of Ireland 

 and Scotland still, it is said on good authority. Its nest 

 consists of rushes, sedge, dead grass, and tufts of dark 

 brown down bearing white tips, and is placed amongst 

 rushes and such other coarse vegetation as will afford the 

 bird shelter. The eggs number from six to eight, or even 

 ten, of a pale buff colour tinged with green. 



