BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 
223 
nest of this Grebe, — a round heap of pond-weed and rotten leaves, 
flattened at the top and slightly hollowed. It was about fifteen 
inches wide, and six or eight thick. The top was damp, but not 
wet, and very warm from exposure to the sun’s rays. We drew it 
on shore — for it was entangled among the branches of a fallen tree, 
but not attached to them — and presently found on the matted weed 
just below the surface, in the place where we had dragged it, a large 
white egg, excessively begrimed with dirt, doubtless from lying on 
the decayed leaves. On being cleansed, I found it covered with a 
chalky coat, easily scratched off. A few weeks after, I again visited 
this pond. On approaching before sunrise (for I had travelled by 
the brilliant starlight of the tropical heavens) I saw a Grebe sitting 
on a new nest in the same spot as I had found the former one. 
This nest was composed of similar materials, and contained four 
eggs. Early in December we found another nest, with young just 
peeping from the egg. It is probable, therefore, that several broods 
are reared in a season.” 
It probably breeds in the Bahamas, but we were unable to find 
its nest. 
