﻿LONG-TAILED DUCK. 165 



to eight fathoms ; and this accounts for the favourite locality 

 being near the coast where beds of its natural provision 

 are within its reach : when severe weather drives the Loncr- 

 tailed Duck further than usual from the shore, where the 

 depth of the water exceeds eight fathoms, the bird soon 

 becomes poor and weak. It is said that its food during 

 the breeding season is also, in a great degree, roots, leaves, 

 buds, and seeds of aquatic plants. 



The reproduction of the present species is principally 

 carried on about the fresh-water lakes, ponds, and bogs in 

 the most northern countries of Europe, Asia, and America ; 

 many pairs are there found to breed in company, and are 

 even met with in the vicinity of other ducks engaged, in the 

 same occupation. 



About the latter end of April the birds arrive in pairs 

 at their breeding-places, and in May the female lays five 

 to eight eggs, lining her nest with the down from her own 

 breast. By the end of June or beginning of July 

 the young make their appearance, and. are soon led to the 

 sea-shore and instructed to swim, dive, and provide for them- 

 selves. The male, which leaves the care of the nursery to 

 his mate, joins his family on their arriving in that locality, 

 and accompanies them in their migratory journey and winter 

 sojourn. 



The peculiar call-note of the Long-tailed Duck sounds 

 like wark, wark, wark, and in the spring of the year ah 

 aulik, ah aulik, etc. 



The measurements of the adult male of the Long-tailed 

 Duck are, entire length twenty-two inches ; the wing nine 

 inches and a half. 



The plumage of the adult male in the spring of the year 

 is very marked and distinguished : it has the top and hinder 

 part of its head silvery-white, the hair-like feathers of which 



