Harlequin Duck 141 
and generally about rocks. They had not yet assumed any of the eclipse plumage ex- 
ternally, although when shot it was found to be coming in abundantly. Like nearly all male 
ducks in eclipse, the male Harlequins seemed to have some disposition to hide themselves 
at this period. Although tame, they crouched behind rocks, as if to escape observation, 
rather than take refuge in flight, and probably the knowledge that they would shortly be 
unable to fly and would have to keep out of danger becomes an instinct some time before the 
actual flightless period takes place. 
The female Harlequins lead their broods down stream to the sea at the end of 
September, whilst most of the flocks assemble in October on the coast, and even in the 
north-east of Iceland they often remain there till December, when severe conditions force 
them to migrate to the south of the island. The flesh of the young bird before it goes to 
the sea is eatable, but not any better than immature Golden-Eye, whilst birds which I killed 
in Nova Scotia in November seemed very oily and rank, and quite unfit for human food. 
There is no reason why this beautiful duck should not be kept by duck fanciers, but up 
to the present few eggs have been brought to this country. Recently, however, two of our 
most keen and energetic aviculturists — Mr. W. H. St. Quintin and Mr. Hugh Wormald 
— have made special efforts to obtain eggs and to rear these ducks from the egg, with the 
result that their efforts have met with some success. In 1910 Mr. St. Quintin obtained 
several eggs from Iceland, but they were so long delayed on the way that when set under 
hens only one duckling hatched. This, a male, was successfully reared at Scampston, and 
survived till the summer of 191 1, when it died. Writing on December 19, 191 1, Mr. St. 
Quintin, in describing the plumage, which is that of the normal young male of its age, 
says : " I notice that it always uses its wings half-opened when it dives. It stands on shore 
very erect. The short thick neck is very striking." 
END OF VOL. I. 
