248 THE POCHARD OR DUN-BIRD. 
Prjevalski says it does not occur at Lake Hanka in the Ussuri 
country. 
Southwards it is not uncommon in Afghanistan and Belu- 
chistan ; and, as it has been procured both on the Persian Gulf 
and on the Caspian, it probably occurs throughout the interior 
of Persia also. 
It has been found in Mesopotamia, is not uncommon in 
Asia Minor, and extremely common in Palestine and in Lower 
Egypt, ranging southwards to Nubia. It is equally abundant 
and breeds in Algiers, while in Morocco it seems to be only a 
cold weather visitant. 
Throughout the greater part of Europe (not however ex- 
tending much: beyond the 60th Degree North Latitude) the 
Pochard is known either on passage or as a summer or winter 
visitant, and it breeds in England, Southern Denmark, Germany, 
Russia (central, and as far north as Lake Ladoga) and many 
other places. 
Its range may well be extended to America, where a variety 
(americana, Eyton), not in my opinion specifically distinct, 
occurs throughout the whole of North America and more 
particularly Eastern North America, as well as the Bahamas, 
and breeds in the Fur countries. 
THE POCHARD is rather later, I think, in putting in an appearance 
than most of our other ducks. I have mever seen it myself 
before the 17th of October, and even in the North-West 
Provinces it is not until the second week in November 
that “it* is in full foree. ‘Further south it 4s latermcme 
What the Pochard really likes is a large broad or mere 
surrounded by rushes, reeds and aquatic plants, some feet in 
depth, and with a considerable breadth of open water in the 
centre. Elsewhere you may meet a few, as on the banks of 
rivers, or in any kind of lake, even the Sambhar; but in such 
localities as I have indicated, you will see flocks of several 
thousands, and many acres of water completely paved over 
with them. Habitually this species goes about in large flocks, 
but in places unsuited to its tastes, you will meet with single 
birds or small parties. 
The Pochards are eminently swimming and diving ducks ; 
“their path is o’er the glittering wave, their home is on the 
deep.” They walk badly ; indeed it is very seldom one sees 
them on land, but I have once or twice surprised them 
feeding in wild rice in the early mornings, and have been 
struck by the awkwardness of their gait. Their flight is slow 
and heavy until they get well on the wing, after which it is 
fairly rapid ; but they rise with some little difficulty in perfectly 
calm weather, and always, if there be a wind against it, if pos- 
sible. There is no duck of which such an enormous haul may 
