TO ORKNEY AND SHETLAND. 101 



throated Diver is more numerous in the Hebrides 

 than the Red-throated Diver. 



COLYMBUS SEPTENTRTONALIS, LblU. Raill 



Goose*. Red-throated Diver. — The Red-throated 

 Divers are very plentiful in both countries ; 

 they frequent the sea and lakes ; on the banks of 

 the latter, they lay their eggs close to the water's 

 edge, so close indeed that the bird can touch the 

 water with its bill while sitting on its eggs ; they 

 are remarkably shy, particularly during the breed- 

 ing season, and if any one approaches the lake, 

 instantly leave their nests and take to the water. 

 The female lays two eggs, which in general are de- 

 posited amongst a few loose stones. Perhaps these 

 birds have the power of removing their eggs from 

 their proximity to the water; for were it to be 

 swollen only two or three inches in height the 

 eggs would be destroyed. I have taken several of 

 their eggs, and invariably found them not more 

 than two or three inches from the water's edge. 

 To procure these birds two or three persons should 

 go together, never less than two ; one should 

 secrete himself close to the water and the other 

 move round to the opposite side, and letting him- 

 self be seen will, by great caution, drive the birds 

 towards the person in ambush. I have practised 



