Congdon—Saskatchewan Birds. 
573 
seemed to be the usual nest complement. Sets containing less 
than four were probably incomplete and none such were found in 
which incubation had commenced. The shape of the eggs is 
oval or elliptical, somewhat larger at one end than at the other. 
In color they are bluish or greenish white when freshly laid, but 
they become stained light brown, by contact with the decomposing 
vegetable material used in the construction of the nest. They 
vary greatly in size, specimens measuring from 1.89 inches to 
2.26 inches long, by 1.32 inches to 1.45 inches broad. The 
average size of thirty-five specimens measured is 2.14 inches by 
1.40 inches. 
The first eggs were taken May 23, when none but fresh eggs 
were found. Fresh eggs were also taken June 4, and several 
nests containing eggs were observed as late as July 6. 
3. Horned Grebe. 
Co lymbus anritus ( Linn.). 
This little Grebe was also found to be a common summer resi¬ 
dent. Its favorite home seems to be the smaller grass-grown 
lakes and sloughs. In common with the other Grebes, it has 
wonderful powers as a diver. It is very interesting to see one 
suddenly disappear below the surface of a body of water, leaving 
hardly a ripple to show where it formerly rested. 
The nest of the Homed Grebe is very similar in construction 
and situation to that of the next species,—the Eared Grebe, no 
general difference being observed. This Grebe, like the others, 
generally covers its eggs with debris, when it leaves the nest. 
This apparently, is to protect them from the Grows and other 
enemies who enjoy a feast of fresh eggs ; or it may be, as some 
suppose, that the decaying vegetation with which the eggs are 
covered supplies heat which aids in the process of incubation. 
Hests containing eggs were observed from the first of June to 
the middle of July. A set of five eggs, taken June 7, at Water- 
hen Lake, measure 1.65x1.17, 1.66x1.19, 1.67x1.18, 1.65x1.16. 
Many of the eggs of the Homed Grebe, observed, seem to be 
of a more greenish tint when fresh than those of the Eared 
Grebe, and more of a coppery color, or duller, after they have 
remained in the nest for some time. Eggs of the two species, 
however, cannot be distinguished, with any certainty, from 
each other. 
