THE WRETHAM MERHS. 153 
But it is the species of Duck breeding on the meres in ever- 
increasing numbers that give the locality such an interest for 
British ornithologists. Besides the Mallard and Teal, which are 
not uncommon in other localities, the Gadwall, Shoveler, Gar- 
ganey, Pochard, and Tufted Duck here nest in the solitude and 
peace of the “‘breck” district. Hight drake Shovelers have 
been flushed on Langmere at one time in the breeding season. 
And in the stillness of the summer night the music of the meres 
is weird and strange to unaccustomed ears. The low contented 
quacking of the Mallard and Gadwall, the “knack” of the 
Garganey, the “‘kree-ah’”’ of the Black-headed Gull, the low 
whistle of the Pochard, the “ crek-rek-rek’”’ of the Moorhen, the 
“ currugh-currugh” of the Tufted Duck as he shifts his quarters, 
the clear ringing, oft-repeated “‘koo” of the Coot, the ‘ whit- 
whit” of the Dabchick, and the harsh ‘‘ kek”’ of the Loon, added 
to the wailing and whistling of the heathland birds, the lapping 
of the waters, and the soughing in the pine trees,—who could not 
wish for such nights o’er again. May memories of the meres 
never be less pleasing than now! 
