SHY AND VIGILANT. 
187 
disperse. The birds arrive in the south of Scotland in 
April, but in the north not until the. beginning of May, as 
we are informed by Macgillivray, who says, 
Its favourite places of resort are large pools, lakes, or rivers, over- 
grown or margined with reeds, flags, sedges, water-lilies, and other 
aquatic plants, among which it swims about in search of its food, which 
co» sists of seed, fresh blades of grass, moUusca, and insects. In shallow 
pools or marshes densely covered with Equisetum limosum I have seen 
paths made by it, from which others diverged in all directions. Some- 
times it makes excursions into the neighbouring fields, where it walks 
and runs in precisely the same manner as the Water-hen, and with 
equal ease, the lobes of its feet forming no impediment to its free 
action ; but it is not so ready as that bird to quit its safe retreat on 
the waters. It is extremely shy and vigilant, instantly betakes itself 
to flight when approached, but very seldom flies off unless one comes 
suddenly upon it, or a shot be fired at it, when it rises at a very low 
angle, splashing up the water with its wings and feet, proceeds but to 
a short distance, and alighting, conceals itself among the reeds or 
equiseta, and remains there until the danger be over. Its vigilance 
and distrust of man render it difficult to approach other birds, such 
as Ducks or G-rebes, that may be on the same pool, it being almost 
sure to alarm them by its cries and flight. It floats lightly on the 
water, swims sedately, jerking its tail, and mo ving its neck backwards 
and forwards. When much disturbed, it often prefers swimming off 
to a distance from the shore, and there, when the water is extensive 
enough for its safety, it may frequently be seen remaining for hours, 
even apparently after it has seemed to be apprehensive of danger from 
the land. It dives with ease, and sometimes eludes pursuit by 
retreating under the surface of the water to emerge in a concealed 
part. In summer it emits a loud abrupt cry, resembling the note of 
a trumpet. 
Its nest, which is extremely large, and composed of decayed 
flags, reeds, equiseta, and other plants, is placed among reeds, 
equiseta, or willow, or sometimes in shallow water, being 
built up to a considerable height. Sometimes the nests are 
placed on small islands, covered with herbage, in unfre- 
quented places on the shores. Mr. Hewitson, from personal 
inspection, says: — 
They are large and apparently clumsy at first sight, but are 
amazingly strong and compact ; they are sometimes built on a tuft 
or rushes, but more commonly amongst reeds ; some are supported 
by those that lie prostrate on the water, whilst others have their 
foundations at the bottom, and are raised till they become from six 
to twelve inches above its surface, sometimes in a depth of one and 
