BIRDS. 
175 
THE EIDER DUCK. 
212. The Eider Duck is about twice the size of 
the common Duck. It is found principally on the 
coasts of Norway, Iceland, and in many parts of 
North America. 
213. From these birds is produced the soft down 
so well known by the name of eider or edder down, 
which is so light and expansive, that a couple of 
handfulls will fill a down quilt, which is generally 
used in cold countries instead of the blanket. 
214. In the breeding season, the birds pluck it 
from their breasts to line their nests, and make a 
soft bed for the young ones. When the natives 
come to the nest, they remove the superfluous down ; 
and this they repeat two or three times in a season. 
215. The Greenland Company at Copenhagen 
generally export from Iceland about two thousand 
pounds of this down annually, which is worth two 
rix dollars a pound. 
Where is the Eider Duck found 1 What is said regarding the 
eider down ? 
