182 
NATURAL HISTORY. 
Water Hen, whose wings are short, is obliged to re- 
side always near those places where its food lies. 
239. It builds its nest upon low trees and shrubs, 
of sticks and fibres, by the water side. The eggs 
are seven in number ; the young ones swim the mo- 
ment they leave the egg, pursue their parent, and 
imitate all her manners. 
THE COOT. 
240. The Coot is a large bird, being about fifteen 
inches long, and inhabits larger streams, and more 
remote from mankind, than the water hen. The 
Coot is often found in rushy-margined lakes. It 
makes its nest of such weeds as the stream supplies, 
and places it among the reeds, where it floats on the 
surface, rising and failing with the water. 
241. If the nest happens to be washed into the 
stream, which is sometimes the case, the bird sits in 
it, like a mariner in his boat, and with her legs steers 
into the nearest harbour. 
242. Having attained her port, she continues to 
sit in great tranquillity, and though the water pene- 
trates the nest, she hatches her eggs in that wet 
condition. 
Where does it build its nest ? What is said of the young ? 
Describe the Coot. What is there curious regarding its nest ? 
