PHOTOGRAVURE 78 



NEST AND EGG OF PEAFOWL IN SOUTHERN CEYLON 



The nest of a wild peahen is merely a depression worn by the weight of the bird in whatever materia 

 lies upon the chosen spot. A few feathers may become loosened from the breast of the sitting bird, and 

 she may break off any twigs or stems which interfere with her freedom of movement, but no outside 

 material is brought or added to the simple home. 



As the photograph shows, the first egg of the set had been laid ; the full complement would be from 

 four to eight. The eggs are white, but the coarse, pitted surface results in their soon becoming stained 

 and brown in colour. 



