WOLOOY LIBRARY A YEAR WITH NATURE. THE COMMON BUZZARD. A YEAR WITH NATURE BY W. PERCIVAL WESTELL, M.B.O.U. 1 1 Author of "A Handbook of British Breeding Birds", etc. With over ijo Illustrations from Photographs taken from Nature and Still Life BY J. T. NEWMAN; G. WATMOUGH WEBSTER H. STONE; AND FROM DRAWINGS BY THE AUTHOR. LONDON: HENRY J. DRANE, SALISBURY HOUSE, SALISBURY SQUARE, FLEET STREET, E.G. I 8 / BIOLOGY LIBRARY BIOLOGY LIBRARY :* •"*"•*" ***• Printed by Henry J. Drane, London and The Hague. PREFACE. IT has been my aim in the various essays included in this volume to write in as simple and unpretentious a manner as possible, and to describe — as it seemed to strike me— that which I have seen and heard in, or know of, the Natural History world. I have not tried to cultivate any literary style or artistic merit, and it would indeed surprise me to learn that I in any way possess either of these accomplishments. I have endeavoured to paint Nature as it is, without adding any high colours to the picture, or exaggerating the various characters displayed. Common things that are too generally overlooked in these days receive our consideration, and I hope I am right in believing that the most indifferent observer will find something of interest in the various articles and illustrations contained in this work. Sir Edward Grey once stated that he was continually hearing people say the country was dull, but he thought that if they would take notice of the things :around them interest would be at once awakened, and I for one can vouchsafe that the result would be most gratifying. To the three gentlemen who are responsible for the photo- graphic illustrations in this volume all lovers of Nature will, I believe, feel deeply indebted. They have taken great pains with their work, and I have little doubt that their studies from Nature and Still Life will be much appreciated and admired. The photographs from Still Life by Mr. Webster are, it should be stated, from groups in the Grosvenor Museum, Chester, the painstaking and absolutely faultless work of Mr. Robert Newstead, F.E.S., the Curator. The varying climatic conditions to which our Country is M85619 VITI PREFACE. subject make it practically impossible to set on record at a given time., and with any degree of certainty, all the sights and sounds in Nature's vast arena, and one must allow some latitude for their vagaries. And then again, on such a wide subject as Nature any work must necessarily be limited. Many characteristics which I have included in a certain Month's essays may, for these very reasons, not be forthcoming at the time given, or even at all, but lovers of the country have the satisfaction of knowing that if Nature fails them in one direction new scenes appear of never failing interest and pleasure. Many of the illustrations have no direct reference in the text, but this does not detract in any way from their worth as they are sufficiently true to Nature to require no comment. The rush and tear of present day life only allows us to sip, rather than drink, at Nature's sweet fountain, but, as Long- fellow says, 'If thou art worn and hard beset With sorrows that thou wouldst forget, If thou wouldst read a lesson that will keep Thy heart from fainting and thy soul from sleep, Go to the woods and hills! No tears Dim the sweet look that Nature wears.' ST. ALBANS. HERTS. W. PERCIVAL WESTELL. August, 1900. The Publisher has to acknowledge the courtesy of the following in allowing various articles written by the Author for the publications named, to be included, with slight revision, in this volume: — Messrs. George Newnes, Ltd, Proprietors of '•The Wide World Magazine:' The Fancier's Newspaper and General Printing and Publishing Co. Ltd., Proprietors of 'Fur and Feather:' The Royal Society for The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Proprietors of 'The Animal World:' Messrs. Gibbs & Bamforth, Proprietors of 'The Herts Advertiser:' The Bedfordshire Publishing Co., Proprietors of 'The Beds Times:' and The Beds Standard Co. Ltd., Proprietors of 'The Beds Standard.' CONTENTS. Page JANUARY. NATURE IN JANUARY 3 THE MUSEUM AND ZOO AT TRING 13 FEBRUARY. NATURE IN FEBRUARY ...... 31 BIRDS THAT COME IN MY GARDEN 38 MARCH. NATURE IN MARCH. I 43 NATURE IN MARCH. II 47 WHERE OUR SUMMER MIGRANTS SPEND THE WINTER .... 55 APRIL. NATURE IN APRIL. I 59 NATURE IN APRIL. II 64 BY THE RIVER 70 SEARCHING FOR THE WILLOW TIT 76 MAY. NATURE IN MAY 83 A NESTING RAMBLE 91 IN A COUNTRY LANE IO2 A CHAT ABOUT BIRDS 109 BIRD LIFE AT THE SHETLAND ISLANDS 117 JUST BEFORE DUSK 129 JUNE. NATURE IN JUNE. I 135 NATURE IN JUNE. II 149 COUNTRY LIFE 157 JULY. NATURE IN JULY. I 167 NATURE IN JULY. II 177 X CONTENTS. Page AUGUST. NATURE IN AUGUST. I 189 NATURE IN AUGUST. II 194 WILD LIFE AT HOME AND ABROAD ; A COMPARISON, AND A CHOICE 198 SEPTEMBER. NATURE IN SEPTEMBER 211 A STUDY IN BIRDS' BEAKS 217 OCTOBER. NATURE IN OCTOBER 22Q A STUDY IN BIRDS' TAILS 237 NOVEMBER. NATURE IN NOVEMBER 249 A STUDY IN BIRDS* CLAWS, TALONS, AND FEET 257 DECEMBER. NATURE IN DECEMBER 269 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. From Photograph by THE COMMON BUZZARD Webster Frontispiece. JANUARY. Page A RURAL LANE IN WINTER Newman 2 A PAIR OF PIED WAGTAILS. Stone 7 THE NUTHATCH AT WORK Newman 9 EXTERIOR OF TRING MUSEUM „ 12 "SALLY FROM THE zoo" IN TRING MUSEUM „ 15 GREAT BUSTARDS AT TRING PARK .... „ 18 KANGAROOS „ . . . . „ 2O PELICANS „ .... „ 21 ZEBRA „ „ 22 BARBARY SHEEP „ . . . . „ 23 GIANT TORTOISE „ . . . . „ 24 CASSOWARY „ „ 25 RHEAS „ . . . . 25 EMUS „ . . . . „ 26 SACRED CATTLE „ .... „ 27 THE ORNAMENTAL WATERS ,, . . . . ^,, 28 FEBRUARY. BY THE OLD MILL STREAM Newman 30 GATHERING WATERCRESS IN EARLY SPRING. . . 33 EWE WITH TRIPLETS, AGED ONE HOUR .... „ 34 THE OLD MILL AND WATERFALL The Author 35 MARCH. A REST BY THE WAYSIDE Newman 42 EARLY SPRING: A SCENE IN BUCKINGHAMSHIRE . „ 44 OUT TO GRASS „ 4& SPRING PLOUGHING „ 5° AN EARLY NEST AND EGGS OF SONG THRUSH I 52 A BASKET OXFORD DOWN LAMBS „ 54 XII LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. From Photograph by Page APRIL. A MORNING DRAUGHT Newman 58 NEST AND EGGS OF CHAFFINCH „ 60 A PAIR OF TREE CREEPERS Webster 68 NEST AND EGGS OF BLACKBIRD Newman 71 A RUSTIC CORNER „ 73 MAY. MAY BLOSSOM Newman 82 A PAIR OF REDBREASTS, NEST AND EGGS . . . Webster 84 WATER PLANTS Newman 86 A PAIR OF SKYLARKS, NEST AND EGGS .... Webster 88 A PAIR OF GREAT TITS, NEST AND EGGS IN A 1 » 9° BEEHIVE J A PAIR OF LONG TAILED TITS, AND NEST . . . „ 93 NEST AND EGGS OF HAWFINCH Newman 95 NEST AND EGGS OF YELLOW BUNTING .... „ 97 A PAIR OF SWALLOWS, AND NEST Webster 99 A PAIR OF TURTLE DOVES, NEST AND EGGS . . Stone IOI NEST AND EGGS OF SONG THRUSH Newman 103 NEST AND EGGS OF TREE CREEPER Webster 105 NEST AND EGGS OF BLUE TITMOUSE Newman 107 NEST AND EGGS OF DARTFORD WARBLER ... „ IIO A PAIR OF SHELDRAKES ' Webster 112 A PAIR OF SPARROW HAWKS, NEST AND EGGS . „ 114 NEST AND EGGS OF NIGHTINGALE Newman Il6 NEST AND EGGS OF MEADOW PIPIT „ 118 ROSEATE AND ARCTIC TERNS, NEST, EGGS AND 1 ,T YOU™ .\Webster LESSER TERNS, NEST, EGGS AND YOUNG ... „ 122 A PAIR OF LAPWINGS, NEST, EGGS AND YOUNG . „ 126 A PAIR OF MAGPIES AND NEST Newman 131 JUNE. A RAIDER OF BIRDS* NESTS Newman 134 NEST AND EGGS OF GREENFINCH „ 136 A PAIR OF HAWFINCHES, NEST, EGGS AND YOUNG Webster 138 NEST AND EGGS OF PHEASANT „ 139 A PAIR OF HERONS, NEST AND YOUNG .... „ 141 REED WARBLER AND NEST Stone 143 SEDGE WARBLER AND NEST ....... 143 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. XIII From Photograph by Page JUNE (Continued). NEST AND EGGS OF BULLFINCH Newman 145 A PAIR OF MUTE SWANS, NEST AND EGGS ... „ 147 YOUNG SKYLARKS AND NEST „ 150 CUCKOO'S EGG IN NEST OF HEDGE SPARROW . . „ 151 A PAIR OF CORNCRAKES, NEST, EGG AND YOUNG . Webster 153 SWIFTS, NESTS, EGG AND YOUNG „ 1 55 A KEEPER'S HUT Newman 156 A PAIR OF RED BACKED SHRIKES AND NEST . . Stone 158 HORSE CHESTNUT IN BLOOM ..'.... Newman 1.59 NEST AND EGGS OF WOOD WARBLER „ l6l A PAIR OF HOUSE MARTINS AND NEST .... Webster 163 JULY. A FIELD OF OATS Newman 166 YOUNG CUCKOO „ 168 NEST OF YOUNG KESTRELS IN THE DOWN . . . Webster 169 YOUNG BLUE TITS Newman 171 THE HAUNT OF THE KINGFISHER „ 173 THE ORDER OF THE BATH „ 175 A LATE NEST AND EGGS OF WHEATEAR. . . . . Stone 178 A PAIR OF KESTRELS, NEST AND YOUNG . . . Webster 179 YOUNG WILD DUCKS Newman 181 THE KEEPER'S GIBBET, OR VERMIN POLE ... „ 183 THE MOWING MACHINE ^,, 184 YOUNG LONG EARED OWLS IN THE DOWN . . . Webster 185 AUGUST. THE HARVEST FIELD . Newman 1 88 SHETLAND SHEEP IN AN ENGLISH PARK .... „ 191 THE WASHBROOK „ 196 AYLESBURY DUCKS IN THEIR NATIVE VALE ... „ 204 SEPTEMBER. LARGE FUNGI Newman 210 THE WOODMEN AT WORK „ 212 A PAIR OF CROSSBILLS Stone 214 BEAK OF SPOONBILL. .... From Drawings by the Author 217 XIV LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Page SEPTEMBER (Continued}. BEAK OF EGYPTIAN VULTURE . . . . From Drawings by the Author 217 „ „ YOUNG BARN OWL .... „ „ 218 „ „ WHITE-HEADED EAGLE ... „ ,, 218 „ „ LAMMERGEYER ., „ 219 „ „ DODO „ „ 219 „ „ GREAT AUK „ „ 219 „ „ TOUCAN „ „ 220 „ „ AVOCET „ „ 220 „ „ FLAMINGO „ „ 220 „ „ WOODCOCK „ „ 221 „ „ CURLEW „ 221 „ „ PUFFIN „ „ 221 „ „ GUILLEMOT „ „ 22I „ „ MAMO „ „ 222 „ „ RHINOCEROS HORNBILL ... ,, „ 222 „ „ MACAW „ „ 222 „ „ CROSSBILL ,, „ 223 „ „ GREAT BLACK WOODPECKER . „ „ 223 ,. „ CURL-CRESTED ARACARIS . . „ „ 223 „ „ HOOPOE „ „ 224 „ „ LATHAM'S BARBET .... „ ,, 224 „ „ ADJUTANT „ „ 224 „ „ PELICAN, Showing POUCH CLOSED ,, „ 224 „ „ PELICAN, Showing POUCH OPEN „ „ 225 BEAK AND TONGUE OF WRYNECK ... ,, „ 225 BEAK OF BLACK-TAILED GODWIT ... ,, „ 226 OCTOBER. From Photograph by A MODEL STACK-YARD Newman 228 A PAIR OF KINGFISHERS StODC 232 THE BRIDGEWATEK CANAL . Newman 234 TAIL OF SWALLOW From Drawings by the Author 239 „ „ HOUSE MARTIN „ ^ 2^ „ „ NIGHTJAR " . . . „ " 239 „ „ LEONA NIGHTJAR „ ^ 239 „ „ TERNATE KINGFISHER ... „ „ 339 „ „ MEXICAN TROGON .... „ 2^9 „ „ RESPLENDENT TROGON ... „ jf 242 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. XV Page OCTOBER (Continued). TAIL OF FAN-TAILED FLYCATCHER . . From Drawings by the Author 242 „ „ CUNNINGHAM'S BUSH SHRIKE . „ „ 242 „ „ BLACK-CAP TITMOUSE. ... „ ,, 242 „ „ LONG-WINGED SWIFT .... „ „ 242 „ „ PARADISE WHYDAH BIRD. . „ „ 242 „ TRIMMED PIE „ ., 244 „ WANDERING PIE „ „ 244 „ CUCKOO . „ „ 244 „ GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER „ „ 244 „ BAR-TAILED HUMMING BIRD . . „ „ 244 „ YELLOW BUNTING „ „ 244 „ JAY „ „ 244 „ SEDGE WARBLER „ „ 244 „ TROPIC BIRD „ „ 244 „ LONG-TAILED TITMOUSE ... „ „ 244 NOVEMBER. From Photograph by A CARPET OF LEAVES Newman 248 NOVEMBER WOODS „ 250 SOWING BROADCAST „ 251 A PAIR OF BARN OWLS Stone 252 THE PIGEON COTE Newman 255 FOOT OF GOLDEN EAGLE From Drawings by the Author 258 „ „ SWIFT „ „ 258 LEGS AND FEET OF BLACK- WINGED STILT „ „ 258 FOOT OF BRAZILIAN CARACARA ... „ „ 259 „ „ WOODPECKER „ „ 260 „ „ TERN „ „ 260 „ „ GREBE „ „ 26l „ „ MACAW „ „ 26l „ „ GOLDEN PLOVER „ „ 262 „ „ LAPWING „ „ 262 „ „ RHINOCEROS HORNBILL ... „ „ 262 „ „ MERGANSER „ „ 263 „ „ EURYLAIMUS „ „ 263 „ ,. TREE PIPIT „ „ 263 „ „ NIGHTJAR AND PECTINATED 264 CLAW ON MIDDLE TOE . J OSTRICH .... „ „ 264 XVI LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Page NOVEMBER (Continued). FOOT OF TOUCAN ........ From Drawings by the Author 264 „ KING PENGUIN ..... » » „ STARLING ....... » OSPREY. ....... » » DECEMBER. From Photograph by A WINTER SCENE ........... Newman 268 THE BADGER'S HAUNT. NO. i ....... » 27T A FLIGHT OF WILD DUCKS ........ » 272 THE BADGER'S HAUNT. NO. 2 ....... » 274 J A N U A R Y. A RURAL LANE IN WINTER. NATURE IN JANUARY. THE Frontispiece which graces this opening essay may, or may not, correctly represent the surroundings during the first month of the year, owing to the variation of our climate. But, as we write, the whole land is clothed in whiteness and looks most beautiful. Snow varies, as most people know. I think there is nothing so dull and cheerless as a thawing snowfall, or even a thaw when the snow has fallen. What commends itself to me is a good dry snow, when one can get about in comparative comfort, without having to wade through a mixture of snow, mud and slush, to use a somewhat vulgar expression. At the time this sketch is being written we have a clean, dry, frosty snow, and it is delightful to ramble in the lanes and through the woods, taking notice of the Wild Life which is astir. Nothing makes one feel better in health or temper than a sharp ten miles ramble under such conditions as I have described, and only those who have participated in such walks with Nature at this season can appreciate them. First of all let us explore in the neighbourhood of the woods and park of one of England's greatest and most respected landowners. I cannot do better than set out an actual ramble as written in my Note-book. It bears the date of January 1899 and runs as follows: — "Before reaching the woodland glade, we rambled along the rutted roadway ; it boasts of no path for it is an old country lane, on the sides of which the various bushes, such as the 4 A YEAR WITH NATURE. Blackberry, the Hawthorn and the Furze, were covered with the beautiful crystal flakes. From one of these bushes we startled a small company of Titmice and several male Chaffinches; how beautiful is the plumage of the latter at this season. The always welcome Robin showed off his breast of red, and now and then piped a note; the Wren, that bird in whose presence .there, seems to be a special friendliness, was to be seeh»e Hopping rfltnjbfy in the now destitute hedgerows, and a ^Vopd..Pjgep(p. or€ two e were sailing along over the tops of the ia5j;F.fcs^ ivhtch sfcij^e* the light green tassels on the terminal branches. A "hen "Greenfinch was greedily devouring the seeds left on a Blackberry bush by the wayside and permitted me to approach within a yard of it. I thought at first it was fatigued, but it soon showed me it still possessed the power of flight, winging its way across the waste where, at twilight, I have often watched a passing, Barn Owl or heard the peculiarly jarr ng warble of the Nightjar. I came across four or five Sheep-folds, and listened with pleasure to the gentle lullaby produced by the tinkling of the bells. The old shepherd was evidently too fully occupied to notice the Meadow Pipits which hereabouts are to be found, and the cheeky, inquisitive House Sparrow perched on the hurdles, did not call forth any comment from the ruddy-faced old man. His mind is fixed on the well-being of his flock, and when I saw how diligently and assiduously he looked after them, the question flitted through my mind as to whether all served their masters as well as did the shepherd. Near one of the folds a Horse or two and half a dozen Cows were whiling away the Winter hours, but there was little for them to do excepting to eat the hay which had been strewn about for them, and, when the sun came out, to bask their dappled hides in the rays, and they evidently appreciated the warmth afforded them. At this time of the year the noble park itself does not look at its best, yet the stone lions at the entrance gates still present a rigid stiffness, in spite of the local legend that at times they may be seen coming down from their prominent positions to feed. The lakes were frozen over, but the cold ice and snow did not seem to make any difference to the NATURE IN JANUARY. 5 host of Wild Fowl, who apparently enjoyed basking on the ice in the glorious sunlight. I do not remember seeing the sooty Moorhens show off their black robes to such perfection as they lazily squatted on the snow-covered banks. The proud, haughty Swans, too, were well cared for, as a portion of the ice was broken to enable them to perform their graceful natatory feats and feeding exploits. High up in the air above me were six Wild Ducks, conspi- cuous by their outstretched necks. After flying round and round several times, they at last alighted on the island at the far end of the big lake, which affords them such excellent cover and concealment. Just as I arrived at the head keeper's lodge the Deer were being fed, and what a sight it was 1 I counted a great many of them, but I leave the total number to my own judgment, and I do not think I am far amiss when I say they were a thousand strong. There they were, all slowly wending their way round in a circular direction after the fallen hay as it was tossed out of a cart. What graceful animals are these, and how harmless they appear to be ; even the clamorous Rooks do not mind how close they go to them, so long as they get their fill. I had to content myself with this sight so far as the animals in the park were concerned, as a blinding snowstorm came on at this moment, and I was glad to turn my back to the storm and take the shelter offered me by a most entertaining hostess. On my way back through the park, I was pleasingly surprised to come across twenty or thirty Red-Legged Partridges. There, under the shelter of the Evergreens they crouched down, with their heads snugly resting in their exquisite plumage. And how tame they were! Down the well-kept road through the park I saw several Peacocks and Peahens, strutting gaily along in the manner peculiar to the variety, whilst hard by the rectory, where the rector poses his theology and prepares sermons for his flock, I observed three or four Jackdaws on the fruit trees in the roomy garden. After a good hot cup of tea, which puts new life and vigour into us, and after loading up with the fragrant weed, we again 6 A YEAR WITH NATURE. sally forth to explore in other directions. The storm has ceased and all is still once more, save for the distant report of the sportsman's gun, which rattles through the cold, crisp air. Walking along through the avenue of Fir trees, and now and then coming across a sturdy Beech or Elm, it was no uncommon thing to hear the laugh of the Green Woodpecker and the cry of the Jackdaw, whilst the liquid bubble of a solitary Thrush enlivened us, as also the brilliancy of the golden-red beams of the setting sun in the far West. As seen through the colonnade of tall trees it had indeed a charming effect. It was only to be expected that we should be startled now and again by the abrupt " cock-up" of a Pheasant, but what pleased me most was the sight of a Sparrow Hawk hovering over the tops of the " giants of the forest," although those " obnoxious little creatures" which the Hawk keeps in check — the House Sparrows — were not nearly so numerous as might have been expected, probably because they had left the country side for their town vacation. From the top of a commanding hill we had a magnificent view of the surrounding country. A very nice flock of Rooks did not escape attention, as I stood a good many hundred feet above sea-level. I say " a very nice flock" because it is such a credit to those who encourage Rookeries— and know from practical experience the good these birds do — to see our stock of Rooks gradually on the increase again. William the Fourth, if he could rise from his grave, would, I doubt not, rejoice to see that these creatures which he protected had multiplied to such a pleasing extent, and that there are now a great many who realise the usefulness of our British Birds. The nimble Long Tailed Titmice were busy in the gardens, and the Pied Wagtail was to be seen by the brooks and rivulets on the Common, showing us that he has lost none of that attractive gait, so characteristic of this bird. The Common Snipe is in abundance here, and so is the Woodcock. This latter bird is the largest British representative of the Snipe family. The wonderful working of Nature — the craftiness of her handiwork — is well illustrated in the Woodcock, for the bird is so suited to its manner of life and the devel- 8 A YEAR WITH NATURE. opment of its organisation. The bird well fulfils its appointed mission ; with its long beak it procures worms and insects from under the ground, and those delicate bunches of nerves at the base of the beak enable it to feel them in the earth. Then again — and especially at this season when the many- shaded coat of sober brown matches with the surroundings it frequents — when crouching low in a thicket, it is almost an impossibility to detect the bird, except for the large, dark staring eyes. Butler notices this in the lines : ••For fools are known by looking wise, As men find Woodcocks by their eyes.' Rustling in amongst the leaves, I found a delicious kind of Fern now in its beauty, and, delicately treading on the many varieties of Mosses here found, a Red-Legged Partridge or two seemed to receive us as a matter of course, and yet these are classed as "Game" birds and are shot at for " Sport!" This was the second occasion on which we encountered these beautifully plumed birds on our ramble. I have known them to place their nests on the top of a hay-stack and an old shed, as well as in a bank, or field." The extract from our Note-book having finished, let us discourse briefly on the general characteristics during January, other than those included in the notes given above. A few Snowdrops are out, and some forward Crocuses peep through the snow here and there, giving a most pleasing appear- ance on the white ground-work. The Fieldfares and Redwings are with us, appearing in flocks in the meadow lands. They find out the berry-bearing trees, especially the Mountain Ash, of which fruit they are very fond. The network of the trees is more easy to follow now that the foliage is off. How delicately the twining branches overlap each other; the tree looks bare and unfruitful in the distance, but, examining closely, we find that the buds are forming and formed, only waiting for the soft sunny weather, and April showers, to throw out the green flush of Spring. Down underneath at a good depth, the Moles and the Worms are secure from frost-bite ; now and then they may come above NATURE IN JANUARY. 9 board to see how the weather fares, but, finding it unsuitable, they retire again to their Winter quarters. The Snails, too, are all glued up in their shells — sleeping the Winter-sleep. During the most severe weather, the smallest bird in Europe — the Golden Crested Wren — may be seen. It is wonderful the cold this gold-crested little creature can undergo. THE NUTHATCH AT WORK. It is interesting to watch the Nuthatch at work, now that the trees are leafless, and to listen to his peculiar human-like whistle. Hanging downwards one over another, with the aid of their claws — sometimes as many as a score together— the Bats may be found in the barns in the midst of their Winter slumber. The eggs of Moths, Butterflies, and other winged creatures 10 A YEAR WITH NATURE. are securely secreted in all sorts of out-of-the-way places, and Nature is working slowly but surely towards the perfection which our various monthly sketches will, if followed carefully, clearly show. The glued-up crevices in which these eggs are placed is a striking example of insect intelligence. Writing of Moths, it may be interesting to state that about two thousand different kinds are known to exist in Britain. The Screw Moss and the Siller Cup Moss deserve special mention during the first month of the year, as they are then so beautiful. Manure carting and distribution on the land takes place during this month, and the Mangolds and Swedes may be seen being cut up in the vicinity of the farmyard, or adjoining the Sheep-folds. Around the farmyard the Sparrows and other Finches may be seen, as well as various Buntings, including possibly our Winter visitor the Snow Bunting. As to the flowers of January, the Gorse is often in bloom during this month, and even the Celandine may be found out in sheltered spots. This latter is commonly called the Hedge Buttercup. Others which may be looked for are the Blue Peri- winkle, Shepherd's Purse, the Red Dead Nettle, Groundsel and the Chickweed. The common Polypody Fern may also be seen, as well as the Annual Meadow Grass. The Fox carries on his depredations amongst the farmer's poultry just about now; the Polecat still exists and may perchance be met with. It supplies an interesting addition to our Fauna, as also the Stoat and the Shrew. The Spruce Fir is a study during January, and from out of the branches we may startle a flock of Bramblings — Winter- visitors from the far North of our Island. Gnats may be observed by the water, and, on the large sheets of water in the South, many Sea birds may be seen. In the vicinity of some reservoirs in a Home County, I have noticed during this month such visitors as Terns, Gulls, Mergansers, Redshanks, Greenshanks, Curlews, Whimbrels, Shel- drakes, Sandpipers, Goosanders, Scoters, Shovellers, Divers, Dunlins, Gadwalls, Garganeys, Pochards, Cormorants, and many another rara avis which affords the Recorder to the County Natural History Society much pleasure, as such an important NATURE IN JANUARY. II addition to his list of the Avi-Fauna of the district is much prized by him. One must not forget at this season the delicate eating Teal, the Mistle Thrush and the evergreen Holly and Ivy. Thus closes our opening essay on Nature for the first month of the year. Its short-comings are known to us, but it is quite unpretentious, and there must be some limit,, or our volume will be filled before we have reached even fair, and leafy, June. THE MUSEUM AND ZOO AT TRING. . I AM one of the fortunate and favoured individuals who have had the honour of being personally conducted by the owner of the Museum and Zoo at Tring, almost needless to say the Hon. Walter Rothschild M.P., over the priceless Natural History Collection located in the Museum ; and the animals in the grounds at this quiet secluded Hertfordshire village also claim our attention in this sketch. Although the first month of the year, when the most hopeful of us do not expect congenial surroundings, it was a glorious morning when I alighted at Tring, the soft South- West wind being tempered with brilliant sunshine; mornings that give to this fair land of ours a beauty almost divine, and, had it been moonlight, I might have expected to see Titania and her graceful attendants sporting on the green. The sun had not long flashed its golden-red beams across the dew-spattered mea- dows, ere the birds broke forth in jubilant song, Blackbird, Thrush and soaring Lark ; while the voices of several harbingers of Spring sounded pleasantly from a belt of woodland as I was being driven towards the park, a distance of about two miles. One could not help noting the extreme mildness of the weather. In the gardens Primroses and Violets were in bloom; Buttercups and snow-white Daisies — the flowers of our childhood — peeped out here and there in the hedgerows and fields, the golden cups harmonising to a nicety with the glorious green pastures. One can hardly believe, when walking up the old-world High Street, that within a stone's throw almost there are Zebras and Kangaroos ; Cassowaries and Great Bustards ; Sacred Cattle and Emus; Pelicans and Barbary Sheep; Giant Tortoises and other various living creatures ; and, contained in the Museum, what is probably the finest private Natural History Collection in the whole world. 14 A YEAR WITH NATURE. The visitor to Tring who perchance may spend an hour or so among the inhabitants of the Zoo, or the Collection of Birds, Beasts, Fish and Insects in the Museum, cannot fail to admire the way in which everything is carried out and conducted, and the owner has apparently taken for his motto * If anything is worth doing, it is worth doing well.' And of the genial owner himself it is barely sufficient to say that he is courteous, willing, kind, charitable and the very type of an English gentleman. I shall never forget the hearty hand-shake, the entire absence of affectation, and the goodness of my illustrious host. Small wonder is it to me that the name of Rothschild is known and admired throughout the world, and we should indeed be proud of a family which is such a credit and support to the British Empire. Mr. Walter Rothschild has gathered together at Tring a collection of Natural History objects, which, in the future, will no doubt increase in value and appreciation, and every lover of Wild Life is indebted to this member of a great and noble family for devoting a fortune, and a lifetime, to such a pure and sensible hobby, not only to please his own tastes, but for the benefit of the Scientific World, and Natural History lovers and students generally. To my esteemed friend Ernst Hartert — the Curator of the Museum — due credit must also be given for his directorship and management, and nothing that he can do to aid the lover of Natural History is too much for him. The mass of information at his, and Mr. Rothschild's, command, is wonderful, and every specimen in the collection appears to bring back to mind some interesting narrative or coincidence, which is narrated in a most charming manner to the visitor. We at once made our way to the ground floor of the Museum, being joined in our delightful excursions by a very handsome St. Bernard dog, who seemed to evince considerable interest in our manoeuvres and did not leave us for the hour we were together. It was essential that we should have a little more light in the building, and the pressing of a button near the doorway lit up the place instantaneously with the electric light, and this THE MUSEUM AND ZOO AT TRING. 15 had a charming effect upon the handsome glass show-cases all around us. In the case on the left hand side as we enter, a very fine Gorilla is presented to view. My guide informed me that it "SALLY FROM THE Zoo," IN TRING MUSEUM. was captured by one of the party accompanying Sir H. M Stanley on one of that well known Explorer's expeditions in Africa, and he was evidently very proud of such a fine fellow. In the next compartment a fine Ourang Outang meets the eye, and all around Apes, Monkeys and Chimpanzees by the score. 1 6 A YEAR WITH NATURE. "Sally from the Zoo" is also located in this collection, and deserves special mention. Mr. Newman has given us a very true representation of " Sally" in the photograph which is here produced. What a fine study for Darwinians ! More Monkeys, Apes and such like, and we come across a huge case of Bats. A few are known to me, others I have never seen before, and probably could not see elsewhere than at Tring. Here I found Mr. Rothschild so ready to give me information on any point which occurred to me. I asked him how many species there were inhabiting the British Isles. "About seventeen", said he; at which I was somewhat aston- ished, but to satisfy my curiosity and surprise, he rolled off the names of them on his fingers. Another fact which interested me very much hereabouts was the difference between tht English and Irish Stoats, namely, that the variety found in the land of the Shamrock, although having the tail black, is more like a Weasel. Not far from the Stoat, Otter and Seal cases, in the far left hand corner, is a Parti-coloured Bear which is very highly prized, being met with very infrequently. Of course, near at hand, was the Brown Bear, a Wolf, and a further valuable specimen in a Racoon Dog. In the centre on this floor are two huge cases, one containing animals and the other birds, whilst the one on the right hand side as we enter is also devoted to the latter. We will now take the centre case of animals. A wonderful Tiger is comfort- ably located on its huge paws in the corner, as well as a magnificent Lion, but the most valuable animal here situated is a Hybrid Tiger which was born in Austria, and such a hybrid has I understand only been known to occur once previously. Passing down this collection, we notice Wild Cats, Virginian Deer, Kangaroos — only nine species of which breed outside Australia — a Wild Bull and hosts of other things, and we finish up with a rather long meditative look at a Tasmanian Wolf, which has three or four broad stripes across its back very much like the marking and colour of a Perch. This Wolf, Mr. Rothschild informed me, is fast becoming extinct and increases in value as time passes. Having gazed upon most of the animals on the ground floor, in THE MUSEUM AND ZOO AT TRING. 1 7 the limited time at disposal — excepting the Birds which we shall come to later — we ascended the stone steps to the first floor. That which immediately attracted my attention here was a huge White Rhinoceros; it is so-called from the colour of its flesh, not as might be expected from the colour of its skin, which is the usual greyish-black colour of this beast. This specimen takes up a lot of valuable room, nevertheless it is a very priceless addition to this unique collection. Reclining not a foot away from the hind legs of the last named, are two splendid examples of fossilised Tortoises. I also saw Antelopes, Snow Leopards, Porpoises, Whales and other denizens of the deep. On the left hand side — in the cases running back against the wall — are Tortoises and Turtles innumerable, of all sizes, shapes and ages. At either end of this department two tremendous African Elephant's heads cannot fail to attract notice. The one near the door has gigantic tusks, and on my remarking this, my guide told me that they were abnormal ones. The same remark also applies to a large pair of Antlers suspended against a sort of balcony, towards the far end of the apartment. All down the cases on the right is a wonderful Fish Collection. Time did not permit my noting any special rarities, but there were examples of the finny tribe such as it would be doubtful ever existed were they not here presented. Fish of all colours, shapes and sizes, and, adjoining them near the entrance door, it was very appropriate that there should be located a truly marvellous collection of Corals. As seen in their native element, they must indeed present a glittering splendour. We pass along into an extended room containing the Zebra Collection ; fine examples of these striped beasts ; while situated on all fours is a Somali Ass, a much sharper looking animal than the one we are pleased to treat here in England as a beast of burden. Facing us as we enter are some gruesome Boar specimens, which would make an individual of a nervous disposition tremble to think of meeting single-handed. Now to the Bird Collection, and what a Collection indeed 1 We descend to the ground floor again, and survey the valuable 2 18 A YEAR WITH NATURE. contents of the cases in the centre, and the ones running along the whole length of the right hand side walls. It would be vain for me to attempt to describe all I saw, and space does not permit me to do so. Eagles, Owls, Hawks, Grouse, Warblers, Tits, Buntings, Finches, Golden Orioles, Bee Eaters, Rollers, Little Auks, Gannets, Ivory Gulls, Guillemots, Terns, Geese, Ducks, Grebes, Herons, Crows, Wagtails, Woodpeckers GREAT BUSTARDS AT TRING PARK. and Creepers ; this will give an idea of the many families of birds here gathered together. The case of Humming Birds is indeed a study, and, when it is stated that four hundred species are known to exist on the American Continent alone, the expense and trouble to which Mr. Rothschild is put in his endeavours to obtain every variety may well be imagined. The Albino specimens are truly marvellous, two special rarities being pointed out to me, namely, a white Waxwing and a white Great Grey Shrike. A white Black Grouse — a THE MUSEUM AND ZOO AT TRING 19 very curious nomenclature — also caught my eye, and many other varieties of the feathered race which are at times found wearing a different dress than that with which Nature has for the most part adorned them. An Emperor Penguin towered its head high above any of its fellows in the bottom of the centre case. " Its height is three feet", said my guide. Two Great Auks and an egg did not escape my attention, but these were not pointed out to me by Mr. Rothschild for the reason that he considers a great deal too much fuss has been made about this bird and its eggs> when it is borne in mind that there are many extinct birds and animals which can be purchased for a mere song, and which are much rarer than the remnants of the Great Auk. As far as we have traversed now is what is known as the "free" part of the Museum, and I wonder what next is in store for me. "This way," says Mr. Rothschild, and we are ushered into a small room leading into a much larger one, where tier upon tier of drawers contain skins of the birds of the universe. Each drawer is of course duly labelled, and .every specimen has a label attached to it giving full information respecting it. Here, is a drawer full of Birds of Paradise— they themselves being in a paradise of birds — a flood of sunlight coming in through the window having a charming effect upon their metallic hues. There, are drawers full of Gannets and Penguins, the King and the Emperor. Tier upon tier contained the Pigeon Collection. The number astounded me, the diversity of colourings surprised me. " How many varieties are there of these birds?" I asked. "Four hundred odd," was the reply! More Pigeons and Gannets — one hundred of which were shot by Mr. Rothschild himself before he was satisfied that he had obtained a good series — more Birds of Paradise, Penguins and other feathered beings from the four corners of the earth, and I am courteously pointed out a discovery which Mr. Rothschild, Ernst Hartert and Mr. Kleinschmidt have made with regard to there being two varieties of the Marsh Titmouse, full particulars of which are given in my " Handbook of British Breeding Birds," and it is also referred to in the "Searching for the Willow Tit" article hereafter. 20 A YEAR WITH NATURE. I am specially shown a drawer full of Waxwings — three species of which I learn exist — and out of the two or three dozen, Mr. Rothschild picks out one having yellow on the wing in the place of the usual red wax-like substance, a truly unique occurrence. Many photographs of animals which pass the hours in the gardens and park, do not escape our attention, and we then proceed to the first floor again. Through the Library — where KANGAROOS AT TRING PARK. are contained thousands of volumes on Natural History in many languages, which it falls to the lot of very few people to possess — takes us to the Butterfly Collection. Butterflies of such gigantic proportions I never knew existed; I had previously only heard or read of them in some fairy tale. Drawer after drawer was exhibited, but I am not well enough versed on the subject to deal with them at any length, neither does space permit more than a passing reference. It is truly a wonderful collection of the winged beauties of 22 A YEAR WITH NATURE. the earth, and one can well understand why the study of Natural History has engrossed the attention of some of the finest master minds the world has yet produced. We have little space left to deal with the second part of this unique collection, properly called perhaps the Zoo, but the various photographs with which this part of my article is embellished require little, if any, explanation or comment. Here in this quiet retreat from the work-a-day world, one stumbles ZEBRA AT TRING PARK STABLES. across all manner of birds and animals, representatives of many far off lands and seas. We find our loyal and brave Australia represented in the collection by the Kangaroo, and it affords us interest and pleasure to stay awhile and watch those Colonial animals in their curious ways and mannerisms. Leaving the Kangaroos, and rambling farther afield, we come across that fine bird the Great Bustard, and, as we stand admiring its beauty and attractiveness, we mourn its loss as a British Breeding Bird. How great a pity that such a bold, 24 A YEAR WITH NATURE. grand creature — almost I believe the heaviest bird that flies — should have been lost to the Avi-Fauna of our Country. Here we have the good fortune to see the bird in a living state, but as a British Wild Bird it has gone, probably never to return. The curious Pelicans, so well known to visitors to St. James's Park, are deserving of more than ordinary notice, and their curiousness and strange antics are very realistically portrayed GIANT TORTOISE AT TRING PARK. in the photograph with which Mr. Newman has supplied us. In a fateful moment, just as he had got the birds in an enquiring frame of mind, the photographer pulled the trigger, I mean the shutter, and on page 21 is the result. It is well known that Mr. Rothschild has driven with con- siderable success a team of Zebras, not only in the country but also in London, and it is interesting and instructive to pay a visit to the Tring Stables and see these exquisitely striped animals; they are beautifully groomed, and as clean as a new pin. THE MUSEUM AND ZOO AT TRING. CASSOWARY AT TRING PARK. , RHEAS AT TRING PARK. 26 A YEAR WITH NATURE. Notice how spotlessly clean the surroundings are, not only in this photograph, but in all those which are here produced. Cleanliness is a virtue we all know, or at least should do, and here at Tring it is carried out to the letter. Every comfort and care is bestowed upon these interesting and intelligent creatures, EMUS AT TRING PARK. and each illustration shows the credit which is due to those responsible for the safety and well-being of this miniature Zoo. The photograph of the Barbary Sheep is a fine study in itself, and here the reader will primarily notice how scrupulously clean are the surroundings and the animals themselves. There is a curiosity about this illustration, namely, one of the parents is looking one way, and the remaining one another. If Mr. Newman purposely tried to get the Sheep to stand in this posture so as to shew the antlers fore and aft — if I may THE MUSEUM AND ZOO At TRING. 27 be allowed to use what is I believe a sea-faring term — he has succeeded excellently, but the probabilities are that it is a mere accident. How many years old the Giant Tortoise at Tring is I cannot say, but they are known to live for hundreds of years and our old friend in the picture on page 24 is doubtless "no chicken." Our next visit is to see the Emus and the Cassowaries, both SACRED CATTLE AT TRING PARK. of which are admirably depicted in the foregoing photographs. The interested boy seen in the picture of the Cassowary looks rather small compared by the side of this wonderful feathered creature. The Rhea birds are also deserving of notice, and the result of a successful snap-shot will be found on a previous page. The last and concluding subject in the Zoo with which we have space to deal, is the Sacred Cattle. This is a native Bull of India ; small, and remarkable for having long pendulous ears, and a fatty, elevated lump upon its withers. It is held 28 A YEAR WITH NATURE. sacred by the Hindoos, but is, notwithstanding this, made to work, and when harnessed to a carriage will travel thirty miles a day. There must necessarily be some limit to our contribution, if not, I might considerably enlarge on the Museum and the Zoo, and, after that, visit the Ornamental Waters — of which an illustration is given — and be amongst the Sheldrakes and other Wild Fowl, or go to the Lakes and watch the Grebes dobbing to their heart's content, but for the present at least our delightful and fascinating task is finished. ORNAMENTAL WATERS AT TRING PARK. FEBRUARY, NATURE IN FEBRUARY. AFTER the wind and rain lately experienced it was quite refreshing to take a ramble in the glorious February sunshine. On these bright sunny mornings the Beetles begin to stir about ; we have seen them a foot or so down when digging in the garden this last few weeks, but now they are on top. The hedgerows are bursting into the pale green flush of Spring; the tassels of the Nut Hazel are coming along fast ; they will soon be full of rich golden pollen, which the winds of March — - fanned by the hand of Nature — blow into the female blossom, and fertilization is perfected. Creeping along in the hedgerow, in amongst the twisted Honeysuckle stems, which now bear delicious green patches at the ends, the nimble little Wren may be seen preening his feathers. Who would have the heart to injure such a delicate little creature, such a harmonious songster? The English Scurvy Grass is abundant, and so is the Coltsfoot; the leaves of the latter will appear next month, but it is already well above ground. How beautiful the Kingfisher looks at this season, when Nature, more or less, is barren 1 By the side of the streamlet — the waters glistening in the 32 A YEAR WITH NATURE. sunlight — Insects are now congregating; very small ones it is true, but all showing that the Spring is at hand. Here, perchance, we may find a Sallow tree ; notice how beautifully the dark, brown-red branches are laden with buds of pure silver ; nothing is more delicate at this season. It interests us to stop awhile and watch the gathering of the early crops of Watercress. How hardened to the weather the pickers are; no cold appears too biting for them as they cut and bunch the cress in the icy-cold ditches. Of late, the weather has somewhat damped the ardour of the Skylark, but on this glorious February morn he, together with his near relation the Woodlark, trills a pleasing lay. The Robins are now in full song again, and what a number of them ! As I write these lines, a little Blue Tit has taken up its station on my Victoria Plum tree. He is aiding me considerably in the destruction of some obnoxious insect, or its larvae, which is secreted in the buds or crevices of the tree; but everyone does not look at the good birds do in the same light as the Nature lover. The Bulbs are pushing through nicely, Violets have been out some weeks in sheltered spots, and Dandelions — the Sunflowers of the Spring as the late James Cundall used to call them — are appreciated at this time. The Celandine, too, is out; it is one of the first flowers to open its golden blossoms ; the Woodruff is prized for its pale-green tints, as well as the many varieties of Ivy and the leaves of the Blackberry bushes. The Holly and the two last named, relieve the bare landscape wonderfully during the second month. The Wood Pigeons are heard in yonder tall Fir trees. They are mated now, and perhaps building ; they are early breeders. The bright sun tempts some courageous Butterfly out of its Winter retreat, probably the beautiful Brimstone variety meets our eye, and we stand spell-bound for the moment, and ejaculate, "Well! a Butterfly 1 " This is the season when the Tree Creeper, the Nuthatch and the Green Woodpecker are seen to advantage in the woods; beautiful indeed is their plumage against the silver and golden lichens, as they traverse the tree trunks. The Song Thrush now pours out its fluty notes, and makes one's heart jump again at the thoughts of Springtime. Why 3 34 A YEAR WITH NATURE. it is called "Song" Thrush I do not know, for it is a slight on the Mistle Thrush, which is by no means a bad singer. In sheltered situations Primroses may now be found; the delicate petals nestling on the fallen leaves of last Autumn is a study, so simple and yet so grand. As we move a few leaves aside, we scare a Rabbit, and away he scampers across the leafy pathway. The clamouring Jackdaws in the distance almost EWE WITH TRIPLETS. drown the early song of the Yellow Bunting. What a fine fellow he is, and how we admire him as he hops along the roadway, his green and gold plumes showing off to an extent that makes the most cultivated Naturalist exclaim, "Beautiful I" The Rooks are busy putting their houses in order ; Spring cleaning is well in hand with them, and the nests are beginning to look ship-shape, as much as they ever will do at any rate. Owing to the dry Summer of 1898, the birds devoured a great 36 A YEAR WITH NATURE. many berries and few are now to be seen. What there are the Fieldfare relishes, but his companion the Redwing is a farmer's friend, feeding generally on Caterpillars and the larvae of Beetles. The illustration on page 34 of a Ewe with triplets, photographed an hour after birth, is a striking example of how strong these animals are so soon as they are ushered into the world. The power of the sun is increasing, but the keen wind is still piercing unless the rambler keeps on the move. Chaffinches are lively enough now, and longing for the time to commence their beautiful moss and lichen homesteads ; and the voracious Greenfinch is devouring the berries of the Mountain Ash xvhich grows by the wayside. The woodman is at work " fell- ing and stacking"; the roadman is " ditching"; industrious individuals both of them; old and getting feeble, but two of Britain's truest sons. The Plovers are breaking up their flocks, and the cheery Hedge Sparrow — why call it " Sparrow" when such a delicate little songster?— flits along the sunlit coppice. The Squirrel may hereabouts be seen, and a Field Mouse peeps out now and again to see whether it is advisable for him to sleep a little longer or not. How lovely the various Mosses look in February ; how picturesque does the Robin appear in his coat of red, as he alights on the moss-grown trunk. In yonder tall trees one or two Magpies are disporting them- selves, and a few Jays dart across in front of us. The Bull- finch does not escape attention, and what exquisite plumage he is in! His mate is hard by somewhere, as they pair for life. The rough old Starling is at the top of a Beech very happy and contented, sunning himself and chattering the while. Climbing the walls of the thatched cottage the beautiful yellow Jessamine may now be seen in all its beauty, and in the neigh- bouring orchard a Goldfinch treats us to a few welcome notes. He has his eye on that old Apple tree as a suitable spot to rear his fledglings this Summer perchance, although a fluty Blackbird — he of the golden dagger — may have the same object in view ; those glistening eyes tell tales. On that old stump in the distance we have had the good fortune to observe a Buzzard alight, watched its majestic flight, or the short work it makes of the tasty rodent. NATURE IN FEBRUARY. 37 On our homeward way we may see an Owl commencing its night-prowls, or meet the ruddy-faced farm labourer, bag on shoulder, trudging along whistling and singing, happy and con- tented. In the cottage which nestles so gently in the distance, a strapping English lass awaits him perhaps with a basin of good wholesome broth; probably that is the reason he sings the words which are wafted towards us by the soft and almost silent breezes, 1 1 will come home again.' BIRDS THAT COME IN MY GARDEN. ON Sunday morning the 5th February 1899, we had snow in my neighbourhood for the first time this Winter, and then only a very little. It was, however, quite sufficient to induce the birds to come right up to my back door for the morsels and scraps I had placed there for them. It was most interesting to watch them as slowly but surely each variety made its way towards my window. First, of course, came the House Sparrows tugging, fighting and scram- bling. Then a little later came a Hedge Sparrow, and what a difference is perceptible in his movements to that of the House or Common Sparrow. The former is much more careful than the latter in his advances. He certainly progresses, but some movements, although progressive in a sense, are similar to those of the Cuttle-fish, namely, backwards. That is to say, he takes two steps forward perhaps, and three sideways or backwards, and then later four good long hops forward. What a gentle creature the Hedge Accentor or Warbler is, and how conscious of our protection. Then, as if dropped from the very skies above, a little Blue Tit appeared on the snow, like a veritable jewel. How he enjoyed the meat bone I had placed for him. Of course the Robin in his breast of red was about, but he did not seem to get on very well with the Sparrows. They say that male and female Chaffinches do not associate during the Winter, but they were certainly together on the occasion referred to. What beautiful plumage the male birds are in at this season. A sooty Blackbird or two duly made their appearance; apparently no Snails or Worms were about as the ground was hard, but they enjoyed a few scraps of some sort before departing. It was, indeed, appropriate that shortly after, a Song Thrush should come hopping right up the pathway, head well forward, eyes and ears alert. What steps he takes, too, and how quickly BIRDS, THAT COME IN MY GARDEN. ^39 he gets over the ground. A " whacking" noise tells me that he has outvied the Blackbird and actually found a Snail snugly hiding under the brick wall. See how he smashes it by the side of my rockery; if that sharp flint stone had been placed there intentionally, it could not surely have served the purpose better. The always welcome Jenny Wren is more like a mouse than a bird as she dodges in and out of my Wallflowers and Pinks. How quick her actions, how nimble and how agile is she altogether. In among the foliage at one moment, the next running almost along the edge of the fence, then on the rails; now flitting like a lightning-flash amongst the Sparrow crowd, who are still chirruping and quarrelling as to which of them shall carry off the big hunch of bread. As a matter of fact, not one of them has the power to do it, but the Sparrow is never outdone and does not stop at trifles. Then suddenly bursts upon the ear from that delicate little male Wren, which has now made its appearance, a song truly captivating in its richness and mellowness. He seems to be cheered by the transient gleam, and sings with increased vivacity and power. From that bubbling little throat proceeds a regular peal of bells, sweet, delicious and well sustained. Who can say that birds are not always interesting, Winter as well as Summer? They invariably possess a charm which he who has the Nature soul appreciates to the full. Although the snow was falling, a courageous Lark was suspended in mid-heaven, pouring out its joyous, thrilling lay. What a lesson those of a morbid temperament may learn when, in the midst of gloomy surroundings and with food scarce, all these feathered creatures seem happy and contented. A near relation of the last mentioned bird takes up its station at the far end of my little plot — the Meadow Pipit to wit. There is a Sheep- fold not a great distance away; here one may always look for these birds during the Winter, but I must also add it to the list of varieties which visited me. Several chattering Starlings threw off their timidity, and in their excitement and hunger came almost near enough for me to put the proverbial piece of salt on the tail. They fought like tigers for possession of the morsels thrown out for them, and woe betide the Sparrows if 40 A YEAR WITH NATURE. they came too near that dagger-like bill. It is mostly during hard weather that this interesting variety visits me, and the score or more which presented themselves to-day afforded me much pleasure and amusement. A Pied Wagtail came along, too. Is he not a picture now in his black, white, and grey. This bird did not stay long, flying off to the meadows crying "tisit, tisit, tisit." Two relations of the Blue Tit— the Great Tit and the Coal Tit — also found their way towards the meat bone later on, and lost no time in getting to work. The Mistle Thrush was good enough to stop for a moment or two on his journey towards the Mountain Ash tree, the berries of which he has partaken of many a time this last few weeks. Even a couple of old Rooks paid me a visit to see what was about, and started "dibbing" operations, but I am sorely afraid all to no purpose, for they quickly changed their quarters and alighted on the ploughed land in the distance, where in the well-furrowed lines they were probably more successful. MARCH, NATURE IN MARCH. I. THIS is the first month of Spring, and right glad should bird lovers be that it is here. Nature has advanced since last month ; the early young Lambs are getting stronger — as will be seen from our frontispiece — and the Ants now cross the path of the wayfarer. Nothing sounds so pleasant this month as a Linnet chorus; only those who have heard it can appreciate it. This is the Violet season, and the Primroses are now in their prime. One of the most beautiful of March flowers is the Ger- mander Speedwell - it is as blue as a June sky. The Elm is now covered with tufts of deep-red blossom, and in the orchards, fields and gardens giant golden Daffodils are blooming. Mingled with the glorious green grass, what a delightful contrast! The photograph of " Early Spring, a Scene in Buckinghamshire ", admirably portrays the surroundings at this season. There are more nests in secluded spots than when we last wrote, too, and all Nature is progressing towards the perfection of its loveliness. Perhaps it would be as well to deal in this opening essay for March with our Summer Migrants. The season is not at all inopportune when it is borne in mind that it is during this month that the first visitors reach our shores. And what is more interesting? There are about forty birds which regularly visit us during the Spring and Summer, and these have nearly all taken their departure by the end of September. One of the earliest feathered visitors to make its appearance here is the Wheatear. It is generally amongst us by the second week in March. About this time also - at any rate by the end of the month — I have often observed and heard the Chiff Chaff, the Greater and Lesser Whitethroats, the Willow Wren, and the Wood Wren, although the birds last enumerated— with the NATURE IN MARCH. I. 45 exception perhaps of the Wheatear and the Chiff Chaff— generally appear early in April. Many migrants vary a great deal as to the date they arrive, and the forwardness or backwardness of the season seems to affect their coming. I have heard the Stone Curlew in March, April, and May for . the first time; the latter month may be generally accepted as the more usual time for its arrival. It is said that a few of these birds remain with us the whole year through. With the advent of glorious April, when the hedgerows are bursting forth in all their pristine beauty and splendour, and more wild flowers garnish the country side, the climax is reached. It is early in this month that the Sand Martin reaches us, and it is interesting to note that this useful little bird — the smallest of the Swallow tribe—usually precedes by a few days the Swallow and the House Martin. The Cuckoo comes in April, and I always have my suspicions that the early birds we hear so much about are Cuckoo clocks or ploughboys. The Redstart — called in many localities the Firetail because of its beautiful flame-coloured tail feathers — also reaches us during the fourth month, and the same may be said of the Grasshopper Warbler, the Whinchat, the Blackcap — considered by some Naturalists little inferior to the Nightingale in song— the Nightingale — the males of the latter arriving about ten days before the females— and the Wryneck. I should have placed this bird before the Cuckoo, for the reason that it has acquired the name of " Cuckoo's Mate" or "Messenger," inasmuch as it is usually amongst us a little previous to that bird. The beautiful Tree Pipit also arrives in April, and if you 'Know a bank whereon the wild thyme blows, Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows,' there, if there are trees hard by, you will very probably meet with this bird for the first time. The Common Sandpiper, Corncrake, Spotted Crake, Ring Ouzel, Hobby Falcon, Kentish Plover, Red Backed Shrike — better known in the country as the Butcher Bird — Sedge Warbler, Garden Warbler, Reed Warbler, Turtle Dove and Yellow Wagtail, alPfind their way to the British Isles during April. 46 A YEAR WITH NATURE. In May there arrives the Spotted Flycatcher, the Quail, the Stone Curlew — already referred to — and amongst the last which favour us with their welcome presence are the Pied Flycatcher — not by any means so common a variety as the Spotted — the Swift — one of the latest to arrive and one of the first to depart — and the interesting and useful Nightjar. The Marsh Warbler may now be classed as a regular migrant to this Country, and it is pleasing to record the fact that it is on the increase. About the 2Oth of May it makes its appearance. The beautiful Golden Oriole is said to be a regular Spring migrant to Cornwall and the Scilly Isles, and the strikingly picturesque Hoopoe also visits us, perhaps regularly. Both birds are persecuted, and owing to their exquisite and attractive plumage do not fail to arrest attention ; this being so, they are shot more often than if they were unattractive in their appearance. To make this sketch complete, it is as well in conclusion to set out those birds which visit us occasionally during the Spring and Summer, but which cannot be classed in any way as regular migrants. These are: — Orphean Warbler, Savi's Warbler, Aquatic Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Rufous Warbler, White Wagtail, Grey Headed Wagtail, Water Pipit, Richard's Pipit, Tawny Pipit, Pennsylvania!! Pipit, Red Throated Pipit, and the Alpine Swift. NATURE IN MARCH. II. THOSE of us whose means and avocations compel us to stay in this fair land of ours, are beginning to forget what a hard Winter really is, although we must not be too confident even yet that the wintry blast will not overtake us, and we find ourselves amidst snow and ice at Eastertide. But the more hopeful of us are trusting that such will not be the case. Nothing appears to be such a drawback to the progress of nidification as congenial surroundings followed by hard weather. The whole of the feathered race seem to resent such climatic changes very much, and all bird life appears to suffer from an attack of melancholia. What a change comes over the scene, however, when we have Spring-like weather at its due date 1 Animal life is to all intents and purposes pleased and gratified ; the Bees at once commence their innocent and useful work all in good faith and patient endurance. How pleasant it is, when the time arrives, to stand beneath the branches listening to the soft, sweet monotone, and watching the fragrant buds and petals as they flutter to the ground like flakes of snow, demonstrating forcibly to us that the wonderful process of fertilization has been perfected. " Out to Grass " is a very appropriate scene for insertion hi a " Nature in March " sketch, and will illustrate to those unacquainted with country life a picturesque March study. Even the Water Rats by the bubbling rivulet are gladsome and playful, as they squat upon the mouldy mound by the side, basking in the sunlight; Insects in countless myriads are already buzzing on the surface of the water, and the wary Trout is on the look-out. Near this spot we notice the Kingfisher — probably the most gaudily-attired of the British Birds now left to us — darting with : : > NATURE IN MARCH. II. 49 lightning rapidity over the water, and frightening the shoals of silvery Minnows as it darts past. The budding hedgerows will soon be bursting into their glorious new green foliage ; the Honeysuckle, with its rustic brown stalks, is pleasingly contrasted with its tassels of green. The Corn is well up, and in the next field the rich, brown soil has a very charming effect, which is enhanced by the colonnade of fine trees in the distance. Spring ploughing, which Mr. Newman has so excellently illustrated, is still taking place, and it is interesting to stand at the end of the last turned-up furrow and watch the ploughman start on a fresh line. Watch how straight he goes, and how accustomed he has become to the rough ground he has to traverse. He hardly ever seems to stumble over the rough up-turned clods of eartli. Bird life is very apparent; all Nature seems glad. The Skylark — that minstrel of liberty and love — is towering up towards the clouds; a few Starlings flit by at a tremendous speed; some of them are already paired off, others appear to be in a gregarious state all the year round. The bird which is so conscious of protection — the Wren - is one that never appears to be of a melancholy disposition; on a Winter's morning he seems to be cheered by the transient gleam ; on a Spring morning one finds him in the same happy mood. And what a delicate little songster he is! His matin often reminds me of the Tree Pipit's, but on a lower scale. How nimbly he hops along the bottom of the hedgerow, and how busy he is. Here, there and everywhere is the bird ; in the hedgerow, on the ivy grown wall, in the garden, or, perched on the branch of some sturdy beech, he sings of the coming Spring. The Robin has evidently a nest somewhere ; those shining eyes and artful movements tell me that he is playing at hide- and-seek ; then, when danger is past, he signals his happiness by uttering an anthem of praise. The Merle and Mavis have long since thought of building their homestead ; young Thrushes are reported ; how sheltered are these fledglings from the cold East winds generally associated with early Spring, in the well-built nest with the cow-dung lining. Mr. Newman was fortunate enough to obtain a very 4 NATURE IN MARCH. II. 51 exquisite picture of an early nest of the Song Thrush which was placed in a basket ; a more comfortable dwelling could not be desired. The silver Sallow blossoms will soon burst out into gold, assuring us that Eastertide is rapidly approaching. In the pond by the wayside the Ducks and Geese are performing their graceful natatory feats. A few Dorkings, and a giant Minorca cock are grubbing and scratching at the edge of the pool, and the Pied Wagtail searches near by for insects and their larvae. Ring Doves are gently cooing in the coppice yonder, which monotone, mingled with the alarm cry of the artful, darting Jay, and the cawing of busy Rooks, is to say the least curious. The Rooks have young; the Rookery is alive with them, and how thankful the farmer should be for a further stock of these useful birds. Lapwings — already paired off — are flying by odd gesticulations over the fallows; the Golden Plover is still in flocks, but the Chaffinch has paired, and the shrill 'pink-pink' makes one peep into the hedgerow and the bramble-bush on the chance of finding the moss and lichen cup. Through a green lane— on either side of us is a well- wooded coppice — we hear a gentle tapping. A Woodpecker, no, a Tit on an oak diligently searching for the highly prized and luscious insect. The Titmice are a most useful race, but even in this enlightened age we have to lecture and preach to gardeners and landowners as to the good birds do, and the protection they need. These old fashioned green lanes are slowly giving place to bricks and mortar. Where in our childhood was a gipsy encamp- ment, with all the rural surroundings, is now the house and grounds of some City magnate. To the lover of Nature, all this is disheartening and depressing. The Rabbits disport themselves very freely by the side of the wood, but are soon off into their runs when the hands are clapped, a proceeding which also disturbs a Tree Creeper who pokes his head round the corner of the tree to see who is about. Not for all Klondike's gold would a true Naturalist molest or harm this insectivorous little creature. There are not a great variety of birds inland just now, but EARLY NEST AND EGGS OF SONG THRUSH IN A BASKET. NATURE IN MARCH. II. 53 the nimble little Chifif Chaff should be here shortly. I heard it on the 1 4th last year. The Willow Wren and the Whitethroats will not be a great while behind, and a stray Swallow or Martin will soon be chronicled. Glorious indeed is a Spring morning— everything so fresh in the new mantles of beauty, and what a sight the flowers in the cottage gardens ! White and Blue Violets are battling against the Snowdrops and Polyanthus; Oxlips of various hues are intermingled with Primroses and Daisies; golden Crocuses make love to the sweet-smelling Hyacinths ; the yellow Jessamine harmonises in the truest sense of the word with the various streaked Ivy, so beautifully trained against the wall and over the old thatched roof. All this, and the glorious sunlight, the clear blue sky; Nature in verdure clad, the songs of birds, the pleasing monotone of the winged creatures of the earth; the neighing of a horse, the gentle lullaby produced by the tinkling of sheep-bells, the bark of a distant watch-dog; such are some of the sights and sounds on a Spring morning. WHERE OUR SUMMER MIGRANTS SPEND THE WINTER. THE season for the arrival of the birds which charm us with their presence during the Summer will soon be here, and it is especially interesting just now to notice where these varieties pass the Winter months. There are many people who never think fit to enquire where our feathered friends wing their way to as Sep- tember draws near, and yet they often wonder where they do go to, and know full well that they do leave us, the theory or belief in Gilbert White's day that they hybernated in the holes of rocks and caves, having been by this time entirely exploded. Surely it is one of the most marvellous traits in a bird's character — ihese migration mysteries and movements — and one that is well worth pursuing closely. Taking what I consider to be the regular Summer visitors, and ranging them somewhat in the order in which they appear on our shores, let us see from whence these feathered creatures have come, where they have been for the past six months or so, and whither, when September comes round again, and before then in some instances, they will be going. Africa and India are the Winter quarters of the beautiful Spotted Crake, whilst the Ring Ouzel, or Moor Blackbird, is found at that season in Northern and Central Africa and Asia Minor. The Wheatear ranges in Winter from Western and Northern Africa to Persia and Northern India, a more extensive range than the two last named varieties. Temperate Europe, Northern Africa and South-Western Asia claim the Stone Curlew, or Norfolk Plover, during the time we are mourning its loss, although a few individuals are stated to be found with us throughout the year. The delicate little Chiff Chaff— the Herald of Spring — spends the Winter on the shores of the Mediterranean, and the Yellow Wagtail brings us back to Africa again. The Swallow tribe are generally regarded as Africans during the English Winter, but they have a much wider distribution, as the Sand Martin is found in India, Africa, and South America; the Swallow passes the Winter in Ethiopia and India, and the House 56 A YEAR WITH NATURE. Martin is found south of Abyssinia. That interesting bird the Redstart, or Firetail, migrates in Autumn through Southern Europe to Northern Africa, and the Grasshopper Warbler — an extensive family of visitants are the Warblers — also goes to Northern Africa, and it is said to Southern Europe. Northern Africa also claims the Whinchat, and the same may be said of the Blackcap, with the addition of Southern Europe. Our charming Nightingale wings its way to Africa, and so does the beautiful Hobby Falcon, but he also winters in India. China as well as Northern Africa and India, claims the Wryneck, or Cuckoo's Mate, and the Cuckoo spends the Winter months in Central Africa and Southern India. That melodious trilling songster the Tree Pipit, is found in Winter in Africa, Persia and India, and the Common Sandpiper in Africa. Africa gener- ally is the home of the Lesser Whitethroat, but Southern Africa that of the Greater variety. The Willow Warbler visits Africa and Persia, and the Kentish Plover goes to Africa, India and Southern China. Egypt, Algeria, Asia Minor and Palestine are the Countries which the Corn Crake, or Landrail, visits during its absence from the British Isles, and the Red Backed Shrike is content with Africa only. The mimicing Sedge Warbler flits off to Northern Africa and Asia Minor, whilst four other Warblers — the Garden, Reed, Marsh and beautiful Wood Warbler — all go to Africa. The Quail inhabits Egypt and Northern Africa during Winter. The amorous Turtle Dove, of which bird so much has been written and sung, goes to Northern Africa, Egypt and Nubia, whilst the Swift is found in Africa. That Country also claims the Spotted and Pied Flycatchers. Lastly, that interesting and extremely useful bird the Nightjar, passes the Winter in India and Africa. In such a sketch as this I might enlarge, and deal with irregular Migrants, such as the attractive Hoopoe, Golden Oriole and many others, but to deal with those which may safely be classed as regular visitors is all-sufficient for the present occasion. • APRIL. NATURE IN APRIL. I. THE advent of April is welcome — more especially so because of the Summer visitors which arrive during the month. I heard the delicate little Chiff Chaff on the 2nd, but it was reported some days previously. How glorious is an April morn when ushered in by warm, sunny weather, and things in the garden are all astir. The Oak, Ash, and Chestnut are bursting, together with the Sycamore. The Blackthorn is in bloom, and the Hawthorn is fully green in sheltered spots, and will be in fairest verdure clad before the month is out. This is the season of the Almond blossom, which appears before the leaves. Was ever anything more beautiful than the pink and white blossoms which toss to and fro in the gentle breezes, like so many Butterflies toying in the air? Was ever the Chaffinch in more exquisite plumage than at this season? I found a finished nest on April 2nd, but it was in a most exposed situation, and stood a poor chance of success I am afraid. The beautiful nest of this bird, so clearly defined in our illustration, is a Nature Study in itself. How pleasant to watch the Nuthatch just now, as he scampers round and round the trunks and branches, and, hard by, to listen to the "cheep* NEST AND EGGS OF CHAFFINCH. NATURE IN APRIL. I. 6 1 cheep," of the Tree Creeper and his little song — in spite of what some Naturalists say to the contrary 1 He does sing, for I have heard him. Walking along, we notice the blossoms of the Nut Hazel, male and female ; our old friend who is with us pulls down a few stems and tells us it will be a good Nut year. Swinging to and fro on one of the stems, the Greenfinch may now be seen preening his feathers and pouring out his not unpleasant song ; indeed, I have heard him sing excellently at times. One is struck at the abundance of Larks and Robins. I heard the Skylark singing at midnight on the 3Oth March on three separate occasions, and apparently soaring tool Did ever the trilling lay sound so beautiful as on an April morn? Passing across some pasture land, we notice two or three Mushroom rings; note a small flock of Starlings not yet mated, and dis- tinctly hear in yonder Firs, for the first time, the Chiff Chaff. We regret that Goldfinches are not met with so frequently as we should like, although I know of a certain district where they are increasing. On the stubbles we put up a few Linnets, and a couple of old Carrion Crows fly past overhead. In the ditches the Frogs are about, and on warm evenings one may hear their love song. In the pools the Toads are spawning, and, as we stand watching them, a Swan gracefully glides towards us — the snow-white feathers and the exquisite attitudes of the bird reminding us of one Dore's angels. The Bees are busy now, and we note the first Humble Bee we have seen out. How the Bees find the Sallow trees away in the woods ; they have come miles to fetch the nectar. How sweet-smelling is the male blossom, each little stem laden with gold. Notice the female palm hard by. The uneducated person passes it and remarks, "It isn't out" — but it never will be any more than it is. In the woods we pick up the wing of a Jay ; the keeper has been blowing about for the want of something better to do, but there is no doubt these birds do interfere with the Game. We may perchance pick up a dead bird or two by the wayside, probably killed by the boy with the catapult. How charming the golden of the Furze during April, on the top of 62 A YEAR WITH NATURE. which the Wheatear or the Whinchat may be seen. The Beetles are about now, Cowslips will be out towards the end of the month, the Wild Hyacinths are coming forward post-haste, and the flowers of the Cuckoo Pint are fast approaching maturity. Passing down a drive, we see that the Rhododendrons are budded, and the Wild Currant is in bloom ; through the tall trees comes the bell-ringing notes of the Great Tit, and the notes of the Coal, Marsh, Blue and Long Tailed varieties. We meet the cowman who tells his dog to a fetch 'em up," and the animal instinctively obeys him. In the orchards the fruit trees are in blossom and, nestling underneath, giant Daffodils are still blooming. In the hedgerow we notice the run of a Hare, and see that the Moles have been busy burrowing and casting up. On that old Privet hedge the Bullfinch may be seen ; he is very fond of the berries. Wallflowers are blooming, and the flower of the Lilac may be seen. The Rooks still carry a stray stick to their homesteads. Some of the birds are seen on the ploughed land ; they may be after the wireworm or the newly-sown seed. The man from the crowded city goes by and observes to his companion, " What a lot of Crows there are in the Rookery!" The Hedge Sparrow enlivens us with his pretty little warble, and the Wren is singing for all he is worth. The Oats and Barley are well through early in the month, and by the old sand-pit we have pleasure in noticing the first Sand Martins a little later on. How sweet the aroma from the White Violets, and how glad Nature seems at her new lease of life. We write this early, but before the month is out the plaintive call of " Cuckoo " will be heard, the Tree Pipit will be pouring out its joyous notes, the two Whitethroats will be seen and heard, and the Swallow skimming over the pool, or across the golden-spangled meadows. The Blackcap will enliven the rambler with his rapturous song, and many more Warblers will have arrived, together with the Stone Curlew, Turtle Dove, Corncrake, and others. The bird-lover's months of waiting and watching are well rewarded in April, and fresh sights and sounds meet him at every turn. Rambling on we see in the hedgerows the wonderfully woven nest of a Field Mouse, but nobody was at NATURE IN APRIL. I. 63 home when we called. Almost touching it a Blackbird's nest was ready for an egg, and an old homestead of the Bullfinch does not escape our attention. To sum up April I cannot do better than go back to an old work entitled "The Twelve Months," published in 1661, which truly says: — "It is the messenger of many pleasures, the cour- tier's progress and the farmer's profit, the labourer's harvest and the beggar's pilgrimage," and, I might add, the bird-lover's paradise. NATURE IN APRIL. II. Now that March winds have passed we may look forward in joy and hope for April showers, which we were taught in our childhood bring forth May flowers. It has always struck me that this old adage is somewhat of a slight upon the March Violets, for does not the sweet-smelling White Violet, which one stoops to take from its nest of moss under the hawthorn hedge or on the grass-covered bank, give the keenest thrill of pleasure after all ? It is emblematical of the approach of Spring, a pleasing notification that Eastertide is not a great way off, that our Summer visitors are already winging their way to the land of the free-born. Therefore, we should hail with delight the appearance of March Violets, and not pass them by unheeded. But Nature as it appears in April now claims our attention for a while. Stevenson says, "The world is so full of a number of things, I am sure we should all be as happy as Kings," and Stevenson is right. It is these little things which can make us happy that are too generally overlooked in these days of unutterable intensity. What could be more pleasing than rural surroundings after the warm, refreshing April showers? Every blade of grass is decked with some sparkling gem; the hedgerows glisten as if delighted at the celebration of another Natal day; the birds warble their anthems of praise more delicately and sweetly; the Primroses, Cowslips and budding Hyacinths appear to speak to us as if to say they appreciate the food which the showers afford them. The Chiff Chaff has made its appearance amongst us. By the wooded coppice, in the gardens, or down the leafy lane, the attentive listener may now hear the welcome, but somewhat monotonous, notes of this diminutive bird. NATURE IN APRIL. II. 65 It is indeed a pleasing symbolic this arrival of our feathered visitors. Has the reader ever noticed the many ways in which the poets have thought fit to compare men and things to birds? I will give an instance to illustrate my meaning. Blanche Lindsay in a Persian love song says : — "As a rose to the nightingale sweet I would be," and then again, "What is love but a bird that would touch the blue sky." I presume that Blanche Lindsay had in her mind in the last quotation, the Skylark, and this reminds me that probably more poets have made this bird the subject of their muses than any other, notably, Shelley, Wordsworth, Eric Mackay, and James Hogg the Ettrick shepherd. There is such a fascination about these beautiful creatures which Nature has so graciously bestowed upon us, that makes it incumbent for us to sing their praises, and set forth their glorious traits of character. So happy and contented they seem to be. True the House Sparrow has family troubles at times, the Robin allows no other relation to intrude upon its chosen walk, the sagacious Rooks are very wrath at newcomers, and so on, but, generally speaking, the feathered race, in fact the animal world at large, portray striking evidences of peace and tranquillity. They seem so conscious of protection, but do they always get it? I think not. Does not the highly-prized, but fast disappearing, Goldfinch, suffer from endless molestation ? Does not the Linnet diminish in numbers year by year in a truly lamentable manner ? What could one desire better than a Linnet chorus in the con- cert hall of Nature? The blue azure sky for a roof; grass, soft as velvet, as the floor; fine trees to throw long shadows at eventide, and a gorgeously tinted rainbow thrown across the canopy of heaven 1 Think, too, of the thousands of Skylarks which are strung up in the poulterers' shops throughout the Winter. Is this the way we appreciate the minstrel of liberty and love? April brings all such thoughts as these to the mind of the 5 . 66 A YEAR WITH NATURE. Naturalist, and perhaps occasionally dishearten him, but why should it be ? As Netta Syrett says, ' The world is not only full, but even somewhat inconveniently crowded with a number of things, and in our brief life of three score years and ten we may be pardoned if we find some things a little over- whelming and wide of the mark, which are only satisfactory so far that they make the perfect happiness of kings. It is these wonders of Nature which, as in art, compel us to love the delicate, complete, and intimate, rather than the sublime, suggest- ive, or remote. What we want is something for every day's most quiet needs.' 'April, with the soft breezes tempered with brilliant sunshine, with Butterflies winging their zig-zag flight, white and yellow ones together, as they now hover over the flickering lovers, now rise swiftly in a cloud, now chase one another in curious curving lines, fluttering, coquetting ceaselessly, their wings flashing like sunlit snowflakes under a sky of dazzling blue,' is paradisiacal indeed. Variety is pleasing, and on an April morning variety is to be found everywhere. Each component part of Nature seems to be fulfilling a set purpose, each has its allotted task, and right well it is carried out. The cowslip-covered bank, the impenetrable thicket, the hedgerows, the corn fields, the gardens and lanes, byeways and pathways, trees and flowers, birds, insects, and beasts of the field, fish in the bubbling brook and the stagnant pool, all exhibit variety in a marked degree. And what a wonderful contrast, as well as variety, there is in the arena of Nature? The orchestra is composed of voices and monotones of endless variety, the landscape is ever beautiful and of a most varied and pleasing description. There are new sights and sounds at every turn ; the gambol of Squirrels, the drumming of a Woodpecker, the graceful figure of a lazy Cow, while from the hill top we observe the village church, which lifts its tapering spire as a witness to holier harvests than are gathered from the fields around. Around the grey old church tower Jackdaws are discernible, and distance lends enchantment to the scene. Snoozing, blinking Owls haunt the tower also, and the Swift will soon be found hereabouts. NATURE IN APRIL. II. 67 What a glorious view from the hillside 1 A windmill spreads its canvas to the breeze in a brave competition against steam, and seems to have solved the problem of perpetual motion. Perchance a Kestrel or Sparrow Hawk— two of the balance keepers of Nature — may be seen hovering on buoyant wings, toying in the air, then suddenly darting down like a flash of lightning upon some creature on mother earth. An English larch-covered bank meets the eye ; how enjoyable to lazily squat on the sloping sides watching the soaring Lark and the busy Rooks, the winged creatures of the earth, the Bees and the Spring flowers, and to inhale the sweet aroma. A cluster of yellow on the right to the uninitiated might be Buttercups, but the searching eye of the Naturalist proves these golden evidences to be giant Daffodils. I do not know the name of the writer, but the following lines exactly describe our next study: — ' A privet hedge, a belt of silver poplars, part of an ivy-covered wall, form the magic barrier around the rural garden against the outside world, and safe in their shelter lies this little emerald Isle, the perfect home of peace.' We further observe an English lake, across which the Moorhen is proceeding, leaving behind divergent lines of silver. How charmingly picturesque are the reflections and shadows cast by the Weeping Willows in the pool, and how beautiful the Fir trees on the right bank, with the bright green tassels on the terminal branches. In an old tree by the water-side a pair of Tree Creepers have evidently fixed on a nesting site. Mr. Webster has given us a beautiful photograph of a pair of these happy little creatures. The proud, haughty Swan glides gracefully along with eyes and ears alert for any intruder. Woe betide anyone who molests the Mute Swan, the variety which adorns our ornamental sheets of water. I heard once of a wager being laid that a friend would not dare to put his hand under a female bird when on her nest, and take away the large dull green egg from the warm seclusion she afforded it; he did so, and that without any reluctance on the part of the birdl What pleasing customers, too, the Little Grebes are ; they are better known in the country, perhaps, as Dabchicks. How artful A PAIR OF TREE CREEPERS. NATURE IN APRIL. II. 69 and quick they are, and how awkward it is to get a good sight of them, now a hundred yards in front of us, now twice the distance behind us. With their tiny heads, but long necks, just protruding from the water at most unlikely and unlocked for spots, they see us. Down among the weeds they go again and swimming right under water make their appearance farther off than ever. Wonderful exponents, indeed, of the art of natation. The Rhododendrons are preparing for the hot June sunshine, and up the green drive a proud cock Pheasant struts, its metallic hues showing off to perfection. To the unobservant, and to the person of morose temperament, there seems to be a lull in the country-side, nothing to attract attention, but to the lover of Nature there is plenty to interest and amuse. The Seasons are beautifully arranged — Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, and then again the Spring. It is here, let us appreciate it. BY THE RIVER. IN no place are the buds bursting so beautifully and fresh as on the bushes and trees by the river. Nothing is more interesting and varying at this season than a ramble by some quiet stream, new sights and sounds crop up every minute, and the change from the lanes and woods is decidedly captivating. No sooner have we reached the margin of the silvery stream than we see for the first time a dozen Swallows and Martins skimming along and toying in the air, apparently glad to get back to dear old England once more. Notice, too, the well marked rufous tinge on the breasts of the former ; when they have been in the smoky old chimney a little later on they will probably lose much of this beautiful lustre. How marked, too, is the slate-coloured back, upon which the sunlight throws its brilliant beams. The river is being cleared out for the angler; on the mud by the bank-side more than one variety of bird is to be observed. We may well sit down on the opposite bank, by the side of an old thorn bush, perhaps, and watch the antics of three or four Pied Wagtails. We hear their shrill call-notes, and although we have seen their " wagging" tails hundreds of times, we still admire their curious ways and mannerisms. One of the party flits on to the top of a time-worn post, and what a picture he looks in his black and white livery 1 The Wagtails are a most interesting family, and we should indeed miss them were they not present here. They are joined pre- sently by a couple of male Reed Buntings. These latter are too much engaged searching for food amongst the mud-heaps to notice us. How pleasingly the black head and white ringlet harmonises with the rich red colour of the mud and the blades of pure green grass which are springing up out of the rich river soil 1 Suddenly a Water Vole comes out of its hole right at our feet, and, not seeing us, basks in the sunlight. A slight NEST AND EGGS OF BLACKBIRD. 72 A YEAR WITH NATURE. move on our part and underneath it goes, only to rise again a few yards away; then it dives once more and finally lands on the opposite bank. Put the field glass to your eyes and watch the Lapwings on the fallows in the distance ; now falling, now sweeping, now flying majestically around. Bring also within range the agricultural village which nestles in the distance, and the old farmstead. Let us move on a bit, taking care to pry into the bushes as we go. In this old thorn bush a male Blackbird is sitting on three or four eggs and almost allows us to touch him before he will be off. How wonderfully compact his nest is may best be imagined by a glance at our illustration on the previous page. What a picture he is, with his fine golden dagger poking over the side of the nest, and those glistening eyesl A fine old tree stands by the river's side, and round it for years past we have known that clinging Ivy bower. Looking round the other side of it, we find a snugly-made nest of the Common Wren, almost complete ; a little more workmanship inside and it will be ready for the freckled eggs. Perched on the branches, the male bird sits pouring out his love song. There he sits conscious of our presence, but undisturbed. The closer we get, the louder and more beautifully he sings. Hardly a yard above, a Thrush's nest is found, containing three eggs as blue as the sky overhead. All around Skylarks are singing, and a score of Ring Doves fly over as straight as an arrow. Rambling on, we come to a bend in the river, just by the old bridge, and meet the angler landing a fine speckled Trout which turns the scale at close on three pounds. It gives us an appetite for our breakfast, as we gaze upon its silver and golden-red hues. In the holes by the old bridge, the Kingfisher will probably nest again as we have known it to do for years past, and, underneath, that pair of Swallows we know so well, will surely find the old loved spot once more. Another Wren takes up his station and sings a truly remarkable song; so rich and strong are the notes, and of such a trilling character, we almost fancy we are listening to the Tree Pipit. But look at those moving yellow creatures on the banks in the distance 1 Looking through our glasses we are delighted to observe that a dozen Yellow Wagtails have just 74 A YEAR WITH NATURE. arrived amongst us. Was ever anything more beautiful than their yellow breasts and the fresh green meadows? It is curious the birds we see in these situations; the little Coal Tit and Long Tailed Tit, the former being much noisier than the latter; our old friend the Chaffinch in a fearful state of excitement ; the cheery Hedge Sparrow and a flock of noisy Rooks. From the coppice, not a hundred yards away, we hear the notes of the Green Woodpecker, and the " chiff-chaff, chiff- chaff," of the bird of that name and, as we stand listening, a House Martin flits by uttering its pretty little warble. The Martin is by no means a bad singer. More nests in the bushes as we ramble on, and we notice in at least half a dozen Blackbirds' nests one egg broken. Apparently, no boy plunderers have been at the nests. How then were the eggs broken? Two or three moss and lichen cups are almost ready for eggs, and we are disappointed not to find any blue shells in the Hedge Sparrow's domicile; we are early yet, April is not yet out on the day of our ramble. We have taken with a grain of salt those early Cuckoo and Nightingale records, but at this moment we hear "jug-jug" from the thick coppice, which comes down almost to the water's edge. The Nightingale is here now in person. He only utters a few notes, but they are too well-known to be mistaken, and the mimicking Sedge and Reed Warblers are not yet here. Flitting along from bush to bush in front of us, the Lesser Whitethroat is seen. I often find its nest in a bush by some quiet stream. Suddenly, from its favourite tree, the Tree Pipit really does appear. Up aloft he goes, and having reached a certain altitude, down he comes in a slanting direction with open but motionless wings, singing all the while. Not always does this glorious songster descend to the perch from which he started, as some writers assert, for on this occasion he started from his tree perch and alighted straight on the ground. Standing underneath the tree, we have a fine view of his speckled breast. He sings, too, whilst perching, but the notes are more subdued, and of not such a rapturous description as when he is suspended in the air. Still bubbling on goes the stream, rushing and caressing, though the rains of the last few days have not made much appreciable BY THE RIVER. 75 difference in the depth. The old gates which open across the water to enable the cattle to get across, still stand well, and hard by in the tall trees are a dozen Rooks' nests. What a commotion is going on, and how different the language uttered to the more generally known "caws"! Here we leave the river, to return again later in the season for a cast in that deep hole, where we hope we shall find the Perch "at home." SEARCHING FOR THE WILLOW TIT. TOWARDS the end of April 1898 I accompanied Ernst Hartert, the director at the Zoological Museum of the Hon. Walter Rothschild at Tring Park, on an excursion into the County of Bedford for the purpose of finding, if at all possible, the newly discovered British Bird — the Willow Tit (Parus Salicarius). First it will be as well, perhaps, to furnish a few particulars of the bird mentioned. It has been proved to occur in the British Isles by the Hon. Walter Rothschild, Ernst Hartert, and Mr. Klein- schmidt, the description being as follows: — The feathers of the crown are black, but not so deep black as in the common Marsh Tit, and more inclining to brown; more lengthened, with- out strong reflexes and gloss on the tips ; less strongly pigmented throughout, and less compact. The tail is considerably more graduated, at least the two lateral pairs being much shortened. The measurements of two English Willow Tits are — wing 6 1 mm., tail 56 to 57 mm. The flanks are also more rufous than in the Marsh Tit, the secondaries have broader and more brownish edges, and the call-note is different. It is assumed, from observations made on the Continent, that the locality in which the Willow Tit breeds is in some extended, dark, thick, swampy willow thicket, and that the bird is, like most of the other Titmice, silent so soon as it has eggs. Therefore, it was essential that we should go early to the 'may-be' home. Even as early as the first week in April the Tits are already on their breeding grounds. It was a pouring wet day, but our enthusiasm was so great that, despite the unpropitious elements, we unanimously decided when standing on Tring Station to do or die. A rather amusing incident occurred when we were taking our tickets at Tring, the booking clerk there inquiring of Mr. Hartert about the safe arrival in a crate of a Kangaroo, but I learned from my friend that instead of a Kangaroo it was really a Cassowary which SEARCHING FOR THE WILLOW TIT. 77 had arrived ; the one with the yellow neck, a rare fellow, this being procured by Mr. Rothschild for his already grand collection of Cassowaries, one of which figured in my essay entitled " The Museum and Zoo at Tring ". During the journey to Woburn Sands — for this was the destination I had set my eyes on as a likely locality to find the bird we were anxious to know more about — Ernst Hartert was good enough to favour me with his weighty opinion on various matters of an interesting nature. It will not be out of place in this essay to place such opinions on record, and before proceeding with our ramble I propose to do so. The subject of the protection of birds claimed our attention for a while, and in this respect the arguments of my esteemed companion made a great impression upon me. Regarding the Bird Laws of England, I suggested that they were not nearly stringent enough, but in reply to this Mr. Hartert informed me that in the land of his birth (Germany) the laws were most exacting, and, as a result, the birds have not increased one iota; cultivation has gone forward with such rapid strides that certain birds have been in many instances driven right away, and even if the laws of our own Country were as strict as those of the Fatherland no other result would accrue. " If you could stop cultivation, and extinguish men, the birds would soon increase," said Mr. Hartert. As to wearing birds and their feathers for female adornment, Mr. Hartert gave it as his opinion that statements of a most erroneous kind were frequently made. For instance, a paper in Germany once stated that a consignment of 800 Morocco Parrots had arrived for female wear, whereas there is no species of Parrot in that Country, and this Mr. Hartert pointed out to the paper at the time the extraordinary announcement was made. He complained of the way in which most birds were mutilated when put on ladies hats. The milliners, he said, had no taste whatever in that direction, and the only time that he had ever seen a bird on a lady's hat which looked natural was a Humming Bird on a hat at Berlin. It was only natural, said Mr. Hartert, this bird adornment. The savage races of America, Africa, and elsewhere, from time 7 8 A YEAR WITH NATURE. immemorial, adorned thejr hair with feathers, and so it was in civilized Countries. What should be put a stop to entirely was the killing of birds during the breeding season, which was a dis- tinctly cruel and unwise operation, and might result in the loss of many birds, while at any other time this would not be the case. The Hon. Walter Rothschild some few years ago introduced a great many Little Owls in Tring Park. Nearly all these have disappeared, although one is recorded as having been found breeding in the County of Hertford in the "Report of Birds in Hertfordshire in 1897," an<^ probably this was one of them. I must, however, hasten on as to how far we succeeded in the discovery of the Willow Tit. The Duke of Bedford's noble woods in the Woburn and Woburn Sands district are not so well known, perhaps, as they might be, and when I say that a gentleman who has travelled almost the wide world over, such as Ernst Hartert has, exclaimed " Lovely indeed," I have said sufficient for them. As soon as we were under the welcome shelter afforded by the stately Firs, the Willow Wren and the Chiff Chaff bade us "Welcome." Wood Pigeons flushed off their nests, and startled Jays bounded off into the coppice. A curious noise like that of a young Crow, which was apparently made by a Jay, once interested us greatly, and we hastened to the spot whence it came, but on reaching it we could see nothing, although I caught sjght of a somewhat large bird which, owing to the distance, I could not possibly identify. Thus com- menced the excitement of our hunt for the Willow Tit. The avenues of trees were in the height of their beauty. Even the copious streamlets did not damp our ardour. Everything glistened with silver rain-drops. Primroses, Wild Hyacinths and Bilberries were all in flower, and the herbage by the side of a trickling ditch called forth our admiration. Still rambling through these sylvan scenes to the spot that I had promised to direct Mr. Hartert to, we noticed the long pliant branches of Dog Roses ; the light leaves of budding trees ; the fresh green foliage of the Chestnut, the Hawthorn, and the Ffazel; we heard a Green Woodpecker in the distance, and saw a dead Squirrel strung on the low boughs of a giant Scotch Fir. The carol of a Wren and two Nightingales ; the cry of the SEARCHING FOR THE WILLOW TIT. 79 Cuckoo; the rapturous trill of the Tree Pipit, and the bell-like note of the Great Tit mingled harmoniously together. Dog Violets peeped out of the many varieties of Moss which here abound; the Furze bushes blazed out in gold and Anemones besprinkled the thickets. We at last arrived in the locality where I was under the impression we might find the Willow Tit, but my companion at once gave it as his decided opinion that the surroundings were not nearly thick or dark enough for our excursions to prove successful. However, we immediately saw what was apparently the common Marsh Tit, and this gave us hope, but unfortunately it was the only one we saw, and it flitted off into the thick wood. The only way of seeing what it really was would have been to shoot it, but this was not our intention, and we preferred to watch its movements and endeavour to find its nest. All along the ditches and the hedgerows, among the tangled masses of tree stumps, we searched in vain. Now and then a Blackbird's or a Thrush's nest was presented to view, and occasionally that of a Chaffinch. Many old homesteads bore evidences of their excellent construction last Summer, and we could see and hear everything almost excepting the Willow Tit. These are the Titmice family that we saw and heard : — Long Tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Marsh Tit (seen once only). The woods were alive with the first four, but the Willow and Marsh varieties were absent. We left this paradise for a few hours, making our way across an open track, where on a Summer's evening I have in days gone by heard as many as six Nightjars pouring out their jarring warble at one time, and watched a passing Barn Owl. To a Spruce Fir plantation we betook ourselves. On the way we saw and heard the Golden Crested Wren - the most diminutive of our British birds — the Chiff Chaff was everywhere, and the Willow Wren likewise. Another company of Titmice were chattering away in the matted branches of a tree, whilst up another green drive, we h id the satisfaction of observing what was undoubtedly a small stray flock of Bramblings, who, by this time, should be back in the far distant regions of Scandinavia, though this bird comes South in large flocks in Winter. A Nuthatch was to be heard . 80 A YEAR WITH NATURE. hereabouts 'for the first time on our rambles, but the little Tree Creeper was not to be seen or heard. After a cursory inspection of several large nests, we made tracks again to where, early in the morning, we had seen the solitary Marsh Tit. Our journey there, however, was a fruitless one, as it was nowhere to be seen. For more than an hour we patiently waited on the chance of its occurring again, but luck was against us. As the rain was still descending, and no good purpose could be served, under the circumstances, by staying, we turned our footsteps homeward rather earlier than we had intended. Had the weather been fine, upon the sloping cowslip-covered bank we might have rested, watching and waiting for the appearance of any interesting bird. As we stepped out of the woodland glen into the green fields once again, the Willow Wren and the Redbreast bade us "Farewell" in as lively and melodious a strain as they had bade us "Welcome." On some future occasion we shall search fresh ground for the may-be home of the Willow Tit, but our fruitless excursion in this direction was fraught with pleasing episodes and delightful surroundings such as lovers of Nature cannot fail to enjoy. MAY. MAY BLOSSOM. NATURE IN MAY. ALL the Summer visitors have arrived; the late comers such as the Swift, Marsh Warbler, Quail, Corncrake, and Nightjar are now amongst us. Even in " Merrie May" the wind still blows keen, though the sun is daily making its presence the more felt. Now that the Migrants have all made their appearance, the rambler looks and listens at every likely spot. From that belt of woodland the cry of " Cuckoo" comes pleasantly, and over the topmost twigs of yonder hedge we look for the Greater Whitethroat. Towards the end of the month we may find its snug little nest in the recesses of the copse, a thick bramble bush, perhaps. It would be a shame to rob such a delicate songster of one single egg. The Sycamore seems almost more beautiful than when we last wrote. Secreted somewhere in the topmost branches we hear the Chaffinch sing. Straining our eyes we are amazed to see a male bird, of a buff colour. I have seen them inclining to albinism before, but very rarely, and then never in their natural wild state. This is the season of the Greater Stitchwort; it is more prominent than the Lesser variety. So, too, is the Laburnum in its beauty now, the chains hanging suspended like so many golden butterflies. But what of the Hawthorn blossom? Mention must be made of it, or our essay will be far from complete. It is very often not in blossom by the first of the month; in some sheltered spots the beautiful snow-white blossoms will first be seen. The May girls come badly off in a late Summer, for the season being so backward wild flowers are not very abundant. Crossing a green meadow we step across a Slow Worm ; harmless, innocent creature. It is called the Blind Worm, but it is far from blind; just watch its bright eyes. Persecuted by A PAIR OF REDBREASTS, NEST AND EGGS. NATURE IN MAY. 85 boys owing to its supposed snake-like character is this creature, but it harms nobody. Notice the Wild Cherry blossom by the side of the wood skirting the end of the meadow, the Wood Sorrel and the Woodruff. The latter is now in blossom ; it does not smell so sweet when first plucked as when rubbed between the fingers, or put in the kerchief drawer; then it gives a beautiful aroma. As soon as the Hawthorn is in leaf the Cockchafer makes its first appearance. The "Common" Sparrows like these and get them too, in spite of what is said by Sparrow haters to the contrary. If they do not come out until the Sparrows — or the Avian Rats as Mr. Tegetmeier has called them— have retired to rest, cannot they get them during the day when they are scratching and fumbling in the leaves or anywhere else where the Chafers hide? The Garden Warbler is seen in the cottager's garden ; how beautiful its song. This bird is not well known, nor, indeed, is the bird from whom that strange sound is now proceeding — the Grasshopper Warbler. The extraordinary situations in which birds so often place their nests is well illustrated by glancing at the photograph of a pair of Redbreasts, their nest and eggs, on page 84. It will be seen they have chosen a very snug nesting site in an old pitcher which has apparently been thrown into the hedgerow. As a study from still life, this beauti- ful group is a striking representation of the art of the Curator and the Camera. The Orchises are lovely now, the Meadow, the Bee and other varieties; they are like so many gorgeously painted insects settled on the stems, a wonderful illustration of mimicry in Nature. Skimming the lake we observe a dozen pairs of Sand Martins. We often observe them in this locality. There is a sand pit hard by; we have known the tunnels there for years past. How brown their backs when compared with the Swallows and House Martins, which dart in and out of the little com- pany. Here, too, we may perhaps see the Grey Wagtail, but it is in the Western Counties more especially where he is found. Darting past goes an Orange-tip Butterfly ; how beauti- fully and delicately painted, and how fragile ! The male only has the orange-tipped wings. WATER PLANTS. NATURE IN MAY. 87 The Red Oak is well out now and harmonises nicely with the Green variety. Just watch for a moment that Redstart in the topmost branches, notice his flame-coloured tail feathers. How they contrast with the more sombre colouring of his other parts. In that old shed, the nest, with six little green eggs, is probably secreted. We have not yet left the water, please glance in by the side of this old woodwork and look at those tiny habitations which the Caddis Worm has built. Some are mere black bits of wood, others are encrusted with minute, dazzling, oyster-coloured shells and other matter. How wonderful these tiny mansions, and how extraordinary the all-wise hand of Nature seems to be as we see the head and legs of the Caddis protruding from one end and climbing along the bed of the river, or up the water-worn posts 1 The angler knows the "feel" of a Cad-shell when he puts his hand down the side of the old bridge or post, and knows such a tempting bait will bring him a nice basket of Roach or Dace. I have often felt guilty when I have dislodged the owner and thrown carelessly away the empty house. Pay particular attention to the Water Plants for they are a veritable study in themselves. A picture of a few of them is given on the previous page. Let us go through the Corn field now and watch the waving blades and listen to the "crex, crex" of the ventriloquial Landrail or Corncrake. Do you hear him now ? He is coming towards us — now away — now near — he runs as fast and as fleet as a Deer, and his voice travels with him. How curious he never takes to flight much, and yet a migratory bird 1 Philomel starts up out of that thick thorn bush, and a fluty Blackbird duly follows suit. Right over the bush a Lapwing wheels, uttering his love song -call it not a wild cry — and the Willow Wren pours out a delicate little warble. See those cattle grazing yonder, and that old wooden fence? Let us go there, we may perchance see something. Luck is with us, for true enough a Spotted Flycatcher darts off from his accustomed watch-post after the luscious insect, then back again. He has his nest in the grape vine at the miller's, or in some wall, or outhouse not far away. We are close to him now; notice his speckled breast. In the gardens, the vegetable and flower seeds are nicely A PAIR OF SKYLARKS, NEST AND EGGS. NATURE IN MAY. 89 up now, and the Polyanthus in the cottager's home garden make a brave show with Oxlips, and budding Pinks, Car- nations, Nutmeg, May, Stocks, and many coloured Pansies. Right over us soars a Skylark ; notice that at this season the song is hardly so well sustained as a short time back ; it seems to finish about three parts through, at least those in our district do. In the illustration given of this bird, with the three brownish coloured eggs secreted in the cup-shaped depres- sion in the ground, one of the parent birds is seen dropping to the earth after one of those heavenward soarings in which this minstrel so delights, and its partner appears in the picture as if welcoming him, and congratulating herself that she has such a model husband. The Lambs — at any rate those not killed off — are strong, but still frolicsome. The old ones look on at their playful skir- mishes and seem to say, "Ah, if you live to get as old as us you will know better 1" We rest upon the old stile, we have known it for years ; our grandfather tells us it was there when he was a boy and his father often rested upon it, so we must sit down and take a view of the distant landscape. How lovely everywhere and everything ! I need not attempt to describe the scene, it is well known to the Nature soul. Right across goes a Red Admiral Butterfly; what a poor name for such a handsome creature ! A Bunting or two disport themselves in the hedgerow, and a Robin goes in the tangled bank with a worm. The Red and White Campions are out now, and the various specimens of Wild Geraniums. So also is the Horse Chestnut and the Crab blossom, and this is the season, too, of the Wild Hyacinths— white and blue, the latter for the most part. The migrants and resident birds are nearly all singing, though the Tits are almost silent, and they are all busy with parental cares and affections. The Great Titmouse — or Oxeye as he is called in the country — is another bird which is very fond of building in all manner of out-of-the-way places. I give an illustration of a pair of these birds with their nest built in a beehive, a portion of the hive having been cut away for the purpose of showing the nest. Notice the snug nest containing six white eggs, freckled with light brown. A PAIR OF GREAT TITS, NEST AND EGGS IN A BEEHIVE. A NESTING RAMBLE. I write these lines immedi tely after returning from a rural ramble through one of the prettiest parts of the County of Hertfordshire, a county of which we should be justly proud. There is nothing especially gaudy about it, but everything is simple and in its place; what there is of it is beautiful, and as we stand gazing to the distant hill-tops we see nothing that can be removed from the landscape without a positive loss to harmony. The feathered race are now experiencing their busiest season, and during this month and leafy June many birds only manage to snatch a few hours respite from their untiring labours. All our Summer migrants have by this time made their appearance, and are anxious to commence the work of nidification without delay. It is a pure and simple nesting excursion on which I have thought fit to write in this article. It was towards the end of May, and after a somewhat dull opening it turned out a most glorious afternoon. The showers of the days preceding had performed their work perfectly ; the gentle raindrops had washed away the dirt and dust that congregates in dry seasons round the rapidly forming fruit, and have helped to set it ; now we may look forward in joy and hope for the harvest. I have not the space at my disposal to deal with the whole forty-one varieties of nests met with - almost a record for such a short ramble— but I propose to deal with those which I think will be of the greatest interest to the general body of readers. It was not long before the first nest presented itself, and was, as I had anticipated, one of the Chaffinch. Wonderful indeed is the increase in these birds from year to year, and right glad should we be that such a popular and pleasing songster is 92 A YEAR WITH NATURE. multiplying to such an extent. Not only is the Martin under the eaves conscious of protection, the Chaffinch is too, and so in fact is every bird, otherwise they would not choose as their nesting sites such open situations. When unmolested there is always evidence forthcoming that the feathered race prefer being in close proximity to man, rather than being driven away into wild, desolate, and uncultivated districts. I could not accurately say how many Chaffinches' nests I found, and each one brought forth the remark " I never saw such a lovely nest before"; but I do not ever remember seeing a badly or slovenly built nest of this bird. How wonderfully, too, is the nest in touch with the surroundings ! The limb of a tree is covered with green moss and silver lichen, and not a great distance away one observes what is apparently the same, but to the cultivated eye of the Naturalist it is a nest of the Chaffinch. Although doubtless there are many who are already well aware of the materials with which the nests of the commoner birds are constructed, I have been so utterly surprised and even disgusted at the ignorance of persons who have resided in the country the whole of their lives, that it is my intention to give a description of such nests. One person I was conversing with was good enough to inform me that he was always under the impression that Rooks were young Crows, that the female Robin was the Wren, and so on. It is really surprising the ignorance of those who have every facility afforded them for making observations, even if they have neither eyes or ears alert to such sights and sounds. But to the nest of the Chaffinch : it is composed externally of moss, fine wool, lichen, the scales of bark, and often spiders' webs, all neatly felted together; presenting a smooth and carefully-finished exterior; internally it is delicately lined with wool and hairs. It is very securely attached to the supporting stems by bands of moss, felted with wool, which are twisted round them and worked into the mass of materials composing the nest. The situations generally chosen by the Chaffinch for a nesting site are the Elm, Oak, Hawthorn, Bramble and thick tall bushes. I have also found the nest in a thick Holly, and also on an old Apple tree overgrown with moss and lichens; sometimes it is shrouded among the luxuriant Ivy encircling the trunks of Elms or other trees. A PAIR OF LONG TAILED TITS, AND NEST. 94 A YEAR WITH NATURE. I found eggs varying in number from one to five, in one instance a young fledgling and three eggs. The sweet twittering Hedge Sparrow seemed to be beseeching us in almost poetical language not to meddle with his homestead. The component parts are somewhat similar to those of the last mentioned variety, with the addition of grasses and bents, but, although it is by no means shabby, it is not nearly of such an attractive description, and is larger. How picturesque are the delicate blue eggs, as we stretch over the budding hedgerow, or into the thick bushes, and gaze into the dark hairy cup! That favourite bird of the country the Long Tailed Titmouse, may be seen with the partner of its joys and sorrows clinging round the branches ; hard by is its beautiful lichen and moss ball — for really the nest is best described as such— and the pho- tograph of the birds and the nest on page 93 will bear out my statements. I have known a pair of these birds to use over 2,000 feathers in the construction of their homestead, each feather representing a separate journey. My friend and brother Natura- list Mr. Basil H. Davies dissected one and counted 1,779, to give the exact figures. Besides moss and lichens, wool, spiders webs, skeletonised leaves and bits of old newspapers are also used in its construction. It is to my mind the most beautiful example of bird architecture in Great Britain. I had the good fortune on the day mentioned to find several stens of the Greater or Common Whitethroat — more generally known perhaps by the non-scientific observer as the Haytit — containing four eggs. Certain it is that this sprightly little migrant had not been idle since his arrival amongst us. The nest is of a simple, and yet elegant, construction ; it is small and compact, consisting of dried grasses, with occasionally a few hairs as a lining. One nest that I found was placed in a low quick-set hedge, and not more than a few feet from it I saw sitting on her nest a female Bullfinch. I watched her for a time, and then she thought it best to beat a hasty retreat into the coppice by the roadside. I examined the nest of fibrous roots — with which this bird constructs its nest entirely — and found four beautifully marked eggs. This was somewhat early for the Bullfinch to have eggs, and strange to say, on NEST ANI> EGGS OK HAWFINCH. 96 A YEAR WITH NATURE. my homeward journey I found yet another nest of this bird almost ready for eggs, also in a hawthorn hedge. The Hawfinch is believed to be increasing its range in this Country. It is a somewhat shy bird and hence may be often overlooked. The nest is placed in bushes, arms of trees, among intertangled bowers, and so forth. It consists of small twigs for the most part, together with stems of plants and lichens, with a lining of hair and roots, but not always the former. It is a loose, but— as will be seen from Mr. Newman's charming photograph — a by no means untidy structure. In a neighbouring orchard — the pink and snow-white blossoms looking beautiful in the golden sunlight — I looked anxiously for the Spotted Flycatcher, and had the satisfaction of seeing it dart- ing after the highly luscious insects, which were in their thousands near the cattle ; the latter were basking their dappled hides in the warmth afforded them. At this moment I heard two glorious Nightingales singing in unison, and if I heard one during the afternoon i heard a dozen. If only every bird concealed its nest as does Philomel, what a great many birds would be saved. Several times on my ramble I found nests cruelly robbed — or more strictly speaking "lugged " — and one of these despoilers may be seen in the frontispiece of the next month with which we have to deal. What a study ! All the talking in the world, and all the notices posted in conspicuous places, seems to have no effect whatever on these marauders, and the only remedy I can suggest is that the rural policeman should be " about," especially on the Sabbath, on which day these depredations are generally carried out. It made my heart ache to find a beautiful nest of the Chaffinch, Thrush or Blackbird, lying in the roadway with the eggs all smashed. Two Wren's nests were carefully placed between a couple of sturdy Hawthorn stems : how often the Wren changes the materials for the construction of its nest according to the surroundings. At intervals a cluster of dead oak leaves might be seen in the hedgerows and the nest of this bird could easily have passed for such but for the cultivated eye again. The nest was composed of dead leaves — placed upon a foundation of moss — with a small hole at the top, profusely ' 98 A YEAR WITH NATURE. lined with hair, roots and feathers. From an outside point of view the nest of this bird is not particularly attractive, but in- side it is a beautiful effort. Both nests were ready for eggs, which sometimes number as many as a dozen. The cow-dung lined nest of the Song Thrush — showing off to perfection the freckled blue eggs — and the bulky home of the Blackbird were to be seen at every turn. Into the hole of a rotten tree the Starling darts with a grub in its mouth, to satisfy the voracious appetites of the young ones. Truly a grub-destroying bird is the Starling. I found a Blackcap's nest ready for eggs in a most exposed situation, and this bird was to be heard nearly the whole time I was alone with Nature. The somewhat monotonous notes of the Yellow Bunting drew my attention to that bird exhibit- ing strange evolutions over the topmost twigs, and as he was not anxious to vacate the locality I had the curiousness to peep into the thick hedgerow. I stopped right in front of a matted trunk, and secluded in the centre I had the gratification of finding its nest. It was composed of dried grasses with a lining of hairs, a veiy neat nest indeed. It was just ready to receive the three to five eggs, which are white, with extra- ordinary chocolate and dark-brown zig-zag lines and mark- ings, which has resulted in the bird being called in some localities the "Scribbling Lark." An illustration is given of a Yellow Bunting's nest placed in a Strawberry plant and very beautiful does it look in such a delicate position. By the side of the railway bank the Tree Pipit had a nest methinks, and he also, like the Blackcap, was to be heard on all sides. There are some species which are apparently on the increase, and right glad news it is when evidences of such cruel molestation are so evident. How beautifully graceful the flight of the Swallow is may best be seen by a careful inspection of the bird on the left hand side of our illustration. The nest— as will be observed — has been placed in some outbuilding, and one of the parent birds is making the beautiful feathered lining, after the mud, hay and straw portions have been used to their satisfaction. It is pleasing to find the nest of the Turtle Dove. Mr. Stone has given us a very careful study from still life on page 101. A PAIR OF SWALLOWS AND NEST. 100 A YEAR WITH NATURE. 1 have only described a few nests I came across, but I find myself in the position I have often done before — that of having to unwillingly draw to a close. Before I do so I should like to mention that hereafter the Golden Plover is to be honoured with a place in my list of " Singing Birds." Having seen one or two to-day reminded me that a few weeks ago I observed a flock of at least three or four hundred, wheeling round and round, and the whole company twittering and calling in a most pleasing manner, then with a mighty momentous sweep and in unison, settling on some ploughed land amongst yet another flock. It was distinctly pleasing to see such a flock in Hert- fordshire. The Swifts on the day of my nesting ramble were to be seen towering up towards the clouds. On craggy precipices amongst the Sea birds in their thousands is doubtless exciting and interesting, but the quiet secluded leafy lanes, the woodland glens, and the sylvan glades of Hertfordshire, possess more attraction for me than adventures among the Eagles, Falcons, Skuas, and hosts of other birds who wheel in buoyant flight over the vast expanse of the mighty deep. IN A COUNTRY LANE. IT is near the middle of May, three hours before sunset, and we find ourselves in one of the quiet, secluded leafy lanes of a Home County. It has been a day tempered with brilliant sunshine, and all Nature seems pleased. Turning round the corner out of the main road, by the time-worn sign post — the main post plastered with an announcement of a sale at a neighbouring farmhouse — we are safe from interruption, and can hear and watch all that is going on The first thing which attracts our notice is a Redbreast hopping in front of us, turning his head first one side and then the other to see if we are peeping into that grassy tangled bank or that clustering ivy bovver for the nest. Then, in the tall trees above us, the little Wood Wren, in his green and gold livery, treats us to a delicate warble and then off to the next giant forester on the other side of the lane, for on the left it is woodland. Skirmishing through the tall trees a few restless Jays disport themselves, but our attention is distracted by an Orange-tip Butterfly flying right across us. A Nightingale takes up the chorus of welcome afforded. He has surely not arrived here long -that particular bird — for he is in by no means good song yet. Those rich, mellow notes are absent that we know full well will come. The hedge on the right is sheltered from the still keen winds, and here we look for and find nests in abundance. It has been cut very low by the grey haired old hedgeman, but Ivy clusters almost continuously, and clinging wandering Honeysuckle is present in plenty. In that likely looking clump we find a Hedge Sparrow's nest, containing four deliciously blue eggs. Rather a large nest for so small a bird we observe in passing. But lo, here, not a foot away in the same clump, a speckled Thrush has placed its marvellous NEST AND EGGS OF SONG THRUSH. 104 A YEAR WITH NATURE. homestead. How beautifully rounded is the interior, and how those freckled blue eggs, Ink-spotted over, shells of green and blue: Like heath-bells gilt with dew: stand out against the brown ground-work of the nest. In the young Fir trees — the green tassels now in all their beauty — the rival males are singing. The cheery Hedge Accentor - clad in plain brown livery— is content to warble sweet and low; but King Thrush pours out his rich mellow notes, Tiurru, tiurra, chipiwi, Too-tee, too-tee, chinchoo, loud and long. This is their language, and what those musical utterances mean may be rivalry on the part of the males. Walking on, a nest of the Chaffinch presents itself in a low Beech. We remark that it is very rare that any bird places its nest in such a tree. At least that is our experience. All along the hedges Hyacinths are blooming, together with the Stitchwort, and the many coloured leaves of the shooting Syca- more make a fine background. We stoop to pluck one of these Wild Hyacinths, and in the act frighten a Robin out of the tangled bank. Looking carefully, we find the snuggest nest imaginable. There is a small hole between the fallen leaves for the ingress and egress of the bird, but pulling one or two of the leaves away with the fingers exhibits the beautifully constructed nest. It is quite ready for the red freckled eggs, which let us hope will be safely hatched, and the youngsters safely reared. Farther on we observe two or three more Hedge Sparrows' nests — all with those delicately painted shells — and a fluty Blackbird then strikes up his alarm cry. In between a sturdy Nut Hazel stem, we find the well constructed nest. How strongly felted together it is, so much so that no wind can shift it. We notice the two greenish eggs, blotched with brown, then make the nest somewhat more secure from the gangs of nest robbers, and we pass on. How the Cowslips smell, they betray their presence over the other side of the hedgerow. We mount the bank and a NEST AND EGGS OF TREE CREEPER. - . 106 A YEAR WITH NATURE. whole row of glittering yellow and dark gold meets the eye, with drooping bells of blue mingling in between. Near here is an old tree, the stump only left. There are many holes in it, and on tapping it half a dozen mimicing Starlings fly out. A pair of Green Woodpeckers inhabit one of the holes too, and at the top in that jagged fissure the little Tree Creeper has chosen a nesting place. In our illustra- tion a nest is shewn placed in the hole of an old tree. Owing to the searching nature of the camera the reader will easily trace the red freckled eggs, mostly marked at the larger end. The lining of hair and feathers is also very prominent. We rest awhile by the old rustic gateway, and whilst doing so listen to the feathered musicians round about us. We hear the curious love songs of three or four varieties of Titmice — the Blue, Coal, Long Tailed, and Great Tits — the fluty Blackbird and speckled Thrush : the cheery Hedge Sparrow and artful Redbreast: the carol of a Wren and the warble of the Willow Wren : the two Whitethroats : the Ring and Turtle Doves : the cawing Rooks in the pasture lands and the Plovers on the fallows : the trilling Skylark : the abrupt song of the Chaffinch, and sombre-plumed Philomel. We can hear all these, and more besides, though the musicians themselves may not all be seen from our vantage ground. The Blue Tit places its nest in almost any hole. I have found it down lamp posts, in letter boxes, banks, walls, and — as will be seen from our illustration — in the hole of a tree. The sun is fast sinking now, but what a glorious sunset 1 The sky is blue for the most part, with floating patches of light red, crimson, and pink. Against this we see through the hedgerow a few Swallows and House Martins disporting them- selves, and partaking of a few more insects before bed time. The Yellow Bunting must not be overlooked, he is far too conspicuous an ornament to our landscape to be passed over. His nest is too snugly hid to attract our attention now, especially as it is getting quite dusk. How we know this old lane. The gipsies used to camp here regularly in our childhood's days, and just a stray party does so now occasionally. We remember where in years gone by we have found a certain rare nest, or seen a rare bird: we . ' NEST AND EGGS OF BLUE TlTMOUSE. 108 A YEAR WITH NATURE. discuss the various changes which have taken place all too quickly. We remember when that black wood in the distance was a mere plantation, and have gradually seen those winding paths made into well beaten tracks. We remember the hospitable old gentleman who used to keep the farmhouse at the top of the hill, and wish we could call him back again. A last peep into a thick Holly bush, and we are just able to discern a nest full of young Hedge Sparrows. There they are, five in number, all with gaping mouths waiting for another fill before the mother's tender care is finished for the day, and they nestle beneath her warm little breast. All this we see in the lane, there is no need to go out of it, for new sights and sounds crop up at every turn. The labourer — decked out in his Sunday black — with his wife and children, looking the very picture of health, passes across the top of the lane and wishes us a cheery ' Goodnight.' The sun has now departed, the feathered race are all silent, the daisies have closed their eyelids, and we leave this paradise to the occupants whose life and habits have afforded us such interest and pleasure. A CHAT ABOUT BIRDS. WHENEVER I take up my pen to write an article on birds, or when I converse about them, I am always possessed with a desire to wax eloquent respecting the sights, sounds, and conditions which prevail. There is a something connected with their being that I cannot adequately put into words. It may be that thinking of rural surroundings and rustic environments affords me pleasure and contentment when I am amidst the work-a-day world and the busy turmoil of City life. I picture the thatched cottage with the lattice window on which the climbing roses love to entwine themselves ; the natural garden ; the box or evergreen hedge ; birds flitting hither and thither, and the snow-white blossoms in the orchard. Perhaps this is one reason why my heart and soul desire to burst into attempted eloquence when birds are the subject of our discourses and writings. Their innocence and usefulness; their powers of flight and the sweetness of their voices ; their delicately woven homesteads and the beautiful variations in the colouring of their eggs ; their exquisite robes of beauty and their sombre garbs ; their curious and interesting mannerisms, all these cast a halo of attraction around them which should in the mind of every lover of Nature hold an abiding sway. There always appears to be something different in the habits of birds, no matter how many constitute a species. Take the Titmice family, for instance ; one possesses a note of very low compass, another pours out a beautiful little song ; then there is the bell-like note of the Great Tit, and I might go on enumer- ating the diversity which exists in the nature of their vocal powers. The various modes in which their nests are constructed affords us also food for meditation. Take a Yellow Bunting's, a Whitethroat's, or a Blackcap's — how simple and plain is NEST AND EGGS OF DARTFORD WARBLER. • " . • ,..,:.: .. A CHAT ABOUT BIRDS. Ill their construction. Compare these cups of dried grass and straws with the wonderful nest of the Song Thrush— with its well-garnished coating of cow-dung, which affords such excellent protection to the young from the cold East winds of early Spring — the moss and lichen cup of the Chaffinch, the marvel- lous homestead of the Long Tailed Titmouse or the homely little Hedge Sparrow ; the latter is a plain bird so far as Nature has adorned it, but a pretty and attractive nest does it build, laying such lovely blue eggs, and. a delicate songster withal. How pleasingly contrasting. In this particular respect, I might go on comparing the materials with which the nests of our feathered pets are con- structed, and the mode of their construction. I might contrast the rude bare nest of the Nightjar, Landrail, or Plover, with the chips of wood and a few feathers which serve as the home of the Owls and the Woodpeckers; the rude and rugged nests of Gulls, Guillemots, Cormorants, Eagles, Falcons, and the like — placed in rocky, inaccessible precipices and precarious over- hanging crags— with the humble home of the Chiff Chaff and the Willow Wren, or the huge nests of the Jackdaw, Jay, and Magpie, with the shingle beach and the golden sand shore which serves as a nest for the Terns to lay their freck- led egg shells on. Then I might contrast the House Sparrow's wonderful attempt at building a domicile, with the plaster cup of the Martin and the tunnels of the Sand Martin ; or the apology for a nest — comprised of fish bones generally - of the Kingfisher by the side of the bubbling rivulet, or the rush nest by the water's edge of the Moorhen and the Little Grebe. I might go on and on again, but I think I have already said enough to show in a degree the difference and divergence which a patient and attentive observer may single out. This little chat would certainly be far from complete without a reference to the vocal powers of our British Birds. The mention of the last three words reminds me that as a result of the destruction which has been carried on amongst them, only about 1 80 varieties now breed regularly in the British Isles. When we consider the amount of good which birds do — and that without their aid vegetation would probably suffer A CHAT ABOUT BIRDS. 1 13 to an enormous extent — it is alarming to notify the destruc- tion which is being carried on among them. But I must not divert from the point at issue, their vocal powers. What shall I say of them? Well, there is the thrilling -lay of the Skylark, the laugh of the Woodpecker, the ' pink-pink ' and the abruptly finished warble of the Chaffinch. Shall I contrast the cawing of the busy Rooks with the captivating melodies of the Night- ingale; the 'crex-crex' of the ventriloquial Landrail with the bubbling little warble of the Wren or the flute-like notes of him of the golden dagger — the Blackbird ; the hoot of the Barn Owl and the jarring warble of the Nightjar; the screeching of birds of prey ; the curious note of the Nuthatch ; the ' cock-up ' of the Pheasant; the voice of the amorous Turtle-Dove; such are some of the pleasing contrasts which Nature has provided for us. I might still go on here again, but I must hasten on. What shall I say of their plumage and their eggs? Has human skill ever yet displayed such exquisite taste and delicate workman- ship? Let us picture on the wide canvas of Nature — with the glorious green pastures and the clear blue sky as a background — the sooty Blackbird with dark lustrous eyes, and the brightly- plumed Chaffinch: there is a contrast indeed! Side by side let the reader imagine the Ptarmigan in its white Winter dress, and the Crow tribe, the Rook, Crow, Raven, Jackdaw, and Starling — that bird of so many hues — and so on. The Kestrel and Sparrow Hawk, with the most diminutive of our British Birds, the Golden Crested Wren. The Golden Eagle and the Peregrine Falcon, with the Brown Wren and the Robin; the Cormorant and the silly Shag, with the Kingfisher or the gorgeous Golden Oriole ; the Stormy Petrel with the Fulmar species; the blinking, snoozing Owls with the beautiful Goldfinch, Greenfinch, or Bullfinch; the Gulls and Guillemots with the Tree Pipit, Woodlark, and Skylark; the curious strut- ting Puffins and handsome Divers, with the gentle little Whitethroat or the Blackcap, and onwards I might proceed. Is there not a feeling of wonderment and admiration when these pictures of diversity and beauty are portrayed to view? Surely so. To the lover of Nature all things are beautiful ; to the casual observer it is different. Sights and sounds, such as these, do 8 A PAIR OF SPARROW HAWKS, NEST AND EGGS. A CHAT ABOUT BIRDS. 115 not enhance his mind, nor lull his senses into a glorious peace — the peace of happiness. I might go on setting out their different modes of flight and movements, such as the hovering of the birds of prey, the mighty sweep of the Peregrine, the flight of the Buntings by odd jerks and gesticulations ; the soaring of the Lark, the antics of the Pied Wagtail — the smallest bird that walks— and I might also characterise their foods. I could set out those which are insectivorous ; birds that are preyed upon, reptile ravagers, and so on, but I must draw to a close. Enough is as good as a feast the old adage has it, and I must follow in its footsteps trusting that this little chat may have entertained many who have heretofore evinced no interest whatever in the useful and interesting study of our feathered pets. NEST AND EGGS OF NIGHTINGALE. BIRD LIFE AT THE SHETLAND ISLANDS. To those resident South of the Tweed the bird life which exists right up in the North of our little Island often excites keen enthusiasm and a wish to go there, and, therefore, a feeling of intense excitement and pleasure comes over one when he finds himself duly packed and labelled for that home of Sea Birds— the Shetland Isles. Perhaps any individual — even one of a very morose and uninteresting temperament — would look anxiously forward to such a trip, but the Ornithologist who had never yet seen the Skuas, Razorbills, Eider Ducks, Puffins, Terns, and other Sea birds — except a straggler now and then down South on migration— in their favourite breeding haunts — and whose observations had been made for the most part in the Southern and Midland Counties — looks upon such a journey as a fascinating and instruct- ive one. We embarked from Aberdeen on the good Steamer "St. Giles" of the Orkneys, making Lerwick our destination. On the way up — the passage occupying about sixteen hours — several Guillemots and Razorbills occasionally presented themselves, but at the approach of the vessel they instantly dived, turning almost a complete somersault before going down, the white base of the tail being just discernible above the surface. Lerwick was reached in due time, and here the Gulls were so tame that numbers of them perched like so many Guildhall Pigeons on the roofs and chimneys, while others were swimming round the landing stage, or floating in the harbour. Lerwick —the Capital of the Island — is about 230 miles from Aberdeen, and it is interesting to note a few particulars about this northerly station before we proceed further. It is more than 200 years old, the houses are arranged in the most hap-hazard manner, and the streets are flagged and extremely narrow. The backs of many of the houses have steps leading NEST AND EGGS OF MEADOW PlPIT. BIRD LIFE AT THE SHETLAND ISLANDS. I 19 down to the water's edge, 'which was very handy in the smuggling days.' The population at the last census was 3,930. There are three hotels, and many private lodging houses, as well as three banks and several imposing public buildings. The water supply is obtained from a Loch about four miles away. At the North end is Fort Charlotte, built by Oliver Crom- well, restored by Charles II, and further extended and repaired in 1781, when it was given its present name after the Queen of George III. It is now occupied by the Coastguard and Naval reserve, there being two batteries and a fine Drill Hall. Behind Fort Charlotte are the County Buildings and Prison. To the South of the town is the Anderson Institute and Widows' Asylum, founded by the late Arthur Anderson, a native of the Island. He represented the County in Parliament from 1847 to 1852. Here also is the Town Hall, built in Gothic style, the stone used being obtained entirely from native quarries. The stained glass windows of the Hall and Staircase — the major- ity of which were presentations —represent the history of the Islands from the earliest times, and on the walls are portraits of eminent Shetlanders. During June the harbour is alive with Dutch vessels, which come for the Herring Fishing. The fishery is carried on very largely throughout the Islands, and the catches are very great, especially in Unst — one of the North Isles — where the barrels used in packing the cured fish may be seen in thousands, the process of salting being conducted by young women from Aberdeen and Fraserburgh. About a mile from Lerwick is the Loch of Clickimin con- taining the ruins of a Pictish Burgh, whilst many similar remains are scattered over the Islands, the most perfect being that on Mousa, a small Island in Mousa Sound, some twelve miles distant from the Capital. On Clickimin Loch can be seen colonies of the beautiful Arctic Tern, known to the natives as the Tarrock. This Tern — with the forked tail, scarlet bill and feet — has the appearance of a large Swallow, and is called in many localities the Sea Swallow. When fishing, their actions are always full of interest : hovering over the water, first one and then another may be ROSEATE AND ARCTIC TERNS, NESTS, EGGS, AND YOUNG. BIRD LIFE AT THE SHETLAND ISLANDS. 121 seen to drop suddenly like a stone on any small fish swimming near the surface, the birds immediately rising to repeat the process. The nests are mere hollows amongst the stones and short grass, lined with a small quantity of withered herbage. The eggs — which number two or three — are subject to endless variety, from a ground colour of white, light blue, or pale yellow, to green and brown, with brown to blackish-brown spots. These remarks will be best followed by an inspection of the pictures here presented. Scalloway has a population of about 500. It has a semi- circular Bay round which houses are dotted ; it was formerly the Shetland Capital, but has long since given way to the more populous Lerwick. The fine ruins of its four-storied Castle- owned by the Earl of Zetland — overlook the Bay from an imposing edifice. It is interesting to observe that it was erected by Earl Patrick Stuart in 1600 by the forced labour of the poor islanders, and is the only Castle in the Shetlands with the exception of that of Muness in Unst, and the Manor House of Jarlshop, Dunrossness, built by Earl Robert. In the garden of West Shore are some fine old Sycamores, and just above the village is Gallowshill, where witches and criminals were executed in by-gone days. In the neighbour- hood of Scalloway the smell of decaying fish is overpowering, the atmosphere being quite permeated, and altogether neutral- izes the salubrious effect of the ozone. The Golden Plover is plentiful throughout the Island, and the birds have a very peculiar way of enticing one away from the nest. Their cry at this season is something after the sound produced by a flute, and on first hearing it one imagines the birds are quite near, whereas they are a few hundred yards away. The nest is merely a slight hollow, lined with a few sticks of heather. Four is the usual number of eggs, and the colour is a dull olive-green— sometimes creamy-white or yellowish brown — spotted and blotched with deep brown and purplish-grey. Numerous Curlews were seen on the same ground as the last mentioned variety, but this latter bird is more wary than the Golden Plover, for during incubation the male is ever on the alert, and he can observe the approach of anyone long LESSER TERNS, NEST, EGGS AND YOUNG. BIRD LIFE AT THE SHETLAND ISLANDS. 123 before he himself can be seen. With the cries he makes acting as a signal, he is joined by others, and the noisy birds soar, screaming overhead in every direction. The Curlew is the Sentinel of the Sea-shore and mud flats, as the screaming Jay is of the thick impenetrable thicket. The nest is generally lined with grass and a little moss; the number of eggs is three or four. The colour is dull drab, with blotches of dark brown, and the size is large in comparison with the bird. The Shetlanders— whose chief food and living is that of, and after, fish and birds — regard with horror the idea of using such a bird as the Curlew for food. The Isle of Noss is about five miles from Lerwick, and it is noted for its majestic sea-cliffs and the countless numbers of birds which frequent it. The Keeper's House is the only residence on the Island and the highest precipice is 900 feet. Looking down we observe that every available ledge is occupied by nests of the Kittiwake and other species. When viewed from the summit of the cliff the scene is indescribably wild, thousands of birds swimming about and equal numbers hovering above the sea below, the whole producing an impression not readily effaced from the memory. This is surely a Bird Lover's Paradise. The little Kittiwake Gull is readily distinguished by its unmistakable note of * Kitty-a-wake ', and in the same manner as the Cuckoo it is constantly uttering its own name, thus rendering a mistake on our part an impossibility. They build their nests much lower down the rocks than the Guillemots and very often in places where nothing but a bird could reach, or keep a foot-hold. The nest consists of dry grass and seaweed, mixed with clay, which no doubt gives weight and adhesion to the rock. They lay three eggs which are subject to much variation. It may not generally be known that there are two distinct varieties of the Guillemot found abundantly throughout the Islands, namely, the Common and the Ringed species. The former is met with on the precipitous rocks of all the Islands. They sit high and lightly on the water, and as a boat ap- proaches dive with the rapidity of thought. One pear-shaped egg is laid which varies in an extraordinary manner, indeed no two eggs are said to be alike. Unlike most other Sea birds they sit on their eggs upright, and with the back to the sea, thus hiding the conspicuous white breast. 124 A YEAR WITH NATURE. The Razorbill is especially interesting as being the nearest surviving relation of the now extinct Great Auk, whose eggs are worth more than their weight in gold. The Razorbill is distinguished from the Guillemot by its much darker upper plumage and broad bill, having a white stripe across the centre. A single egg is laid, which varies a great deal in colour, being white or brown, boldly blotched with liver-brown or greyish- brown. No green of any shade is present on the egg, yet when held up to the light the inside of the shell is of a beautiful pea-green. The Green Cormorant may be told by the crest on the head of the male and the brilliant metallic green and bronze plumage of both sexes. One cannot, moreover, mistake their harsh scream, and the call notes of 'kree', 'kraw', or 'krell.' Their nests are built of sea-weed with a lining of dry grass, and are placed low down on the rocks, generally on ledges where the cliff overhangs, so that to reach them one must descend by a rope or climb the rock from the bottom. They build in company and carry the whitening of their dwellings to such an extent that the cliffs on which they build may be seen a mile or more away. The eggs are four or five in number, have a greenish shell, covered over with a soft chalky substance. When first laid they are quite white, but soon become stained by the birds wet feet, and the materials of which the nest is composed. These eggs are never eaten even by the poorest of the inhabitants. The Oystercatcher is distinguished from all other Sea bird's by its black and white plumage, long vermilion bill, and pale red legs and feet. Although termed Oystercatcher, it never feeds on oysters, its food consisting of small shellfish for the most part, also shrimps, sea-worms and other crustaceans. The nest — if such it can be called — is peculiar, consisting of a cavity in the pebbly beach, lined with small flat pieces of stone or fragments of broken shells. Three or four eggs are laid, but rarely the latter. The ground colour is buff, spotted or streaked with dark blackish-brown and pale grey. The Herring Gull is very common and is to be identified by its large size and pale grey upper plumage. The eggs of this variety are exactly similar to those of the Lesser Black Backed Gull, and as the two often nest together, it is necessary BIRD LIFE AT THE SHETLAND ISLANDS. 12$ to watch the birds to their nests in order to get authentic specimens. The nests are large and formed of dry grass, mixed with heather, and sometimes sea-weed. The three eggs vary in colour from pale bluish-green to olive-brown, spotted with dark and light brown and grey. The Eider Duck — called in the Shetlands, the Dunter — is a thorough bird of the sea, only coming to land for the purpose of rearing its young. It loves to frequent precipitous islands and small uninhabited sea-girt rocks, breeding on them and obtaining its food in the surrounding sea. Their nests are large and consist of dry grass, bits of sea-weed — sometimes with heather twigs intermixed — warmly lined with down from the parent's breast, which is gradually accumulated during the time the eggs are being laid. The usual number of eggs is from five to seven, and they are pale olive green. The work of nest building and incubation is left entirely to the female, and as is usual with the Duck tribe, the more gaudily attired male keeps away from the nest, although in the case of the Eider, he joins his mate when she leaves the nest for food, and at such times the pair may be seen swim- ming round the rocks side by side. Betore leaving the nest, the eggs are carefully covered up. The down forms a valuable article of commerce, each Duck yielding about four ounces, which, when cleaned, is worth about £i per Ib. Another characteristic bird of these Islands is the Great Black Backed Gull. This beautiful member of the Gull family is only equalled in size by the Glaucous Gull and it may be seen at all seasons and in all weathers, soaring, Eagle-like, far overhead. They are very careful to select as nesting sites those Islands which are very difficult of access, either from the precipitous character of their rocky sides or from their being surrounded by the waters of some inland lake, where no craft ever penetrates. They breed in great numbers on the Holm of Noss, an isolated rock some thirty feet from the main Island. The nest is built of dry grass — carelessly heaped up — and the usual number of eggs is three. They are often similar to those of the Lesser Black Backed Gull and the Herring Gull, but are generally marked with larger blotches and are considerably A PAIR OF LAPWINGS, NEST, EGGS AND YOUNG, BIRD LIFE AT THE SHETLAND ISLANDS. 12? larger. The eggs of this variety are very rich and excellent to eat. This Gull causes a deal of trouble and extra watching during lambing season as they will instantly kill a lamb and make off with it to their nesting sites. Colonies of Richardson's Skuas are found in Unst, Foula, Yell, and Feltar. They frequent those districts which are low and marshy, laying their eggs upon some slight eminence of dry ground. They are the merciless persecutors of the other species of sea birds in the neighbourhood, sucking their eggs, and giving the parents no end of trouble when they are bring- ing home their food. They attack them until they are forced to give up what they are carrying to their families and have perforce to go in search of more. The nest is merely a de- pression in the heath or moss, upon which the eggs are laid, and these are always two. The colour is olive or reddish- brown, spotted with dark brown and grey. Now we come to the Island of Foula — on the West side of the Shetland mainland, from the nearest point of which it is about 1 8 miles distant. The natives of the Island are very primitive, the majority being crofters, living in small thatched huts — over which cords are passed with heavy stones suspended on either side to prevent the roofs from being blown away during the fierce gales, which are so prevalent in the Island. They have no fire-places, a pile of peat being burned in the centre of the floor, and the smoke wanders about the room until it finds its way out through a hole in the roof, which serves the double purpose of a chimney and window. Cows and poultry often share the same dwelling! Shetland alone amongst the British Islands is the resort of the Great Skua during the breeding season, having now only two stations in the whole group, namely, Foula and Hermaness in Unst, where they are strictly protected by the proprietors. The bird was formerly plentiful on the low ground near Rona's Hill, in North Mavin, as well as Saxaford, in Unst, but they have deserted owing to the want of protection. The number of eggs laid is two, and these are a dark, buffi sh-brown, spot- ted with dark brown. The nest consists of a neatly rounded cavity in the moss and heather, measuring about a foot in diameter, and is lined with small pieces of heather, moss and . 128 A YEAR WITH NATURE. dry grass. These birds are considered by the inhabitants to be the protectors of their flocks against the Eagles, the King of Birds not being allowed to ' lord it ' in their domain. The Lapwing— a bird so well-known in the South — is also found inhabiting these Islands. Its captivating flight — wheeling round and round, then rising and falling in graceful curves and twistings— is known to all dwellers in the country. In the representation given the three eggs will be seen to harmonise to a nicety with the surroundings, whilst in the bottom left-hand corner a young fledgling will be observed crouching down in amongst the herbage. The one bird station- ary, and the other in the air makes a most delightful picture. There are a good many more birds to be seen on these Islands, both sea and land birds, among them being the Puffin, Fulmar Petrel, Manx Shearwater, Stormy Petrel, Wheatear, Whitethroat, Wren, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Swallow, Twite, Corn Bunting, Skylark, Starling, Hooded Crow, Raven, Short Eared Owl, Kestrel, Shag, Gannet, Wild Duck, Teal, Wigeon, Goldeneye, Rock Dove, Corncrake, Common Snipe, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Black Headed Gull, Red Throated Diver, and last, but not least, the ubiquitous House Sparrow. JUST BEFORE DUSK. THERE is probably nothing more beautiful or fascinating than to be alone with Nature when the golden-red beams of the setting sun have faded away in the far West until the dawn of another Summer's day. The air is not particularly cold, but at times a chilliness comes over one as the mist rises over the woodland glen, but above us all is clear, and on the horizon two or three bright twink- ling stars set off the scene to perfection. The tall giant Oak and Fir trees are just discernible, standing out as vast evidences of Nature's wonderful works of art and delicacy. The Bramble bushes, with the clinging, sweet-smelling Honeysuckle, the Oak saplings, the brown sun-dried Ferns, the Nut Hazel trees, and other wondrous botanical specimens are all around us as we stand on the summit of the hillside, watching and waiting for the coming night. Dashing close to us, almost touching, the Bat flits past : twilight would certainly be far from complete without this curious creature with its Mouse-like features and strangeful flight. Secreted during the day in some secluded hiding place, at night he duly makes his appearance. 'Beneath the frowning brow of night he spreads bis wings. And on his cycles never sings one feeble note, but whirs a fright: Into the gloom how prone to dart, At dawn how quick to hie away; He loves the darkness from his heart. With all his heart he hates the day.' A large Beetle or Moth goes across the face and somewhat startles the casual observer as the cry is uttered, " What was that?" but the Naturalist looks for such intrusion, and is not satisfied unless he gets it. At the hour of twilight in the month of May, the Nightjar 9 130 A YEAR WITH NATURE. may be heard uttering its peculiar warble ; then wheeling round and round, darting and stooping, and with its large Hawk- like mouth dexterously catching any insect which is on its night excursions. Woe betide any such insect, for in an amazing short space of time this bird will have captured many hundreds of these creatures ; yet another farmer's friend I A curious bird, indeed, the Goatsucker— as the bird is called in some localities owing to the ridiculous idea that it is very injurious to weanling calves, inflicting, as it strikes at them, a fatal distemper known by the name of puckeridge ! Even in the days of the revered Gilbert White — with whom the history of Selborne will ever be associated— the superstition — for I can call it nothing else — existed, and to this day there are those who persecute the bird therefor. 'Hoot, Hoot,' and the Owl comes forth to tell its tale. The Barn Owl, Long Eared, or Tawny species, perchance. Four varieties breed in the British Isles at the present time ; the three already enumerated and the Short Eared Owl. A country rustic once said to me that the work of the Kestrel during the daytime is taken up by the Owls at night, and the country rustic is undoubtedly right. Would that there were other country rustics who had the same correct opinion of Owls. Seen very rarely during the day, the Owls content themselves with sleeping the sleep of the righteous, and dreaming of the delights of darkness. The Glow-Worm relieves the scene with its curious light; a restless Sheep or two in the distant folds produces the gentle lullaby caused by the tinkling of the bells; and the delicious strains of the Nightingale poured forth with such melodious sweetness from the shadowy stillness of its embowered retreat, is enthralling. It may be news to many to know that the Nightingale also sings during the day, but its song — mingled with the voices of other birds - is less captivating than when listened to during the twilight and moonlight hours. The moon slowly makes its appearance overhead ; its light aids the weary traveller on his way, and enables us to discern the late hours which are being kept by a flight of Wild Ducks and half-a-dozen Herons, and the moving of some restless Rooks in their roost trees. Secreted all around us in A PAIR OF MAGPIES AND NEST. 132 A YEAR WITH NATURE. the tall trees are birds of every description, patiently waiting for the break of day. Very contented they seem to be, a most peaceful community. A Pheasant is startled by us and utters its alarm cry, which contrasts very strangely with the croaking of a Frog in the undergrowth, or the chirping of a Cricket. The scene is beautiful by reason of its solemnity and stillness. Amongst the reeds and willows the Sedge Warbler may be heard, and possesses the art of mimicry in a wonderful degree, and suspended in mid-air, even at this hour, the Woodlark utters its anthem of praise. The air is redolent with the sweet aroma of Primroses and Hyacinths, Cowslips and Lilies of the Valley, but we dare not venture on to the dewy mead for the reason that the Adder may find us unprepared to encounter him, a dangerous customer to deal with even in the daylight. Philomel, with his dark, lustrous eyes, is creeping about in the thick Bramble bush — which will soon be covered with pliant branches of Dog-Roses — to reach which we climb the moss-covered bank, bespattered and bejewelled with gorgeous Dog- Violets, which glisten brightly in the moonlight. Then all is still for a time until some proud cock in the farmyard takes time by the forelock and starts crowing. Perhaps it was awakened by the closing of a lattice-gate by some returning lover, or, perhaps again, he is very anxious for daylight and has become restless. Darkness steals on apace, and Nature assumes the robe of night; the surroundings become quieter every moment; all creatures are safely harboured in their respective dwell- ing places, and we turn our footsteps homeward. The solemn- ity has made its impression upon us; our voices sound very weird and out of place in the dewy stillness, and then no sound is heard, *Save where the beetle wheels its droning flight, And drowsy tinklings lull the distant folds.' JUNE. A RAIDER OF BIRDS NESTS. NATURE IN JUNE. I. THE month of June has many pleasant associations. True the season for the Maypole dance has passed, and it is not always that the Hawthorn is forward enough to be taken advan- tage of by the rosy-cheeked May girls, but by the last two weeks of the fifth month and the first week in June the bloom is usually abundant. June is almost certain to have its May, but May is not always so certain of its perfected Hawthorn blossoms, and when it is not forthcoming by the First the Blackthorn is used in its stead, but there remains something lacking when the true signs of the fifth month are missing. It is pleasing even in June to think of the lasses bespattered with the beautiful snow-white blossoms, and sometimes with golden Crowfoots and Marsh Marigolds. It is a glorious contrast this bright silver and gorgeous gold. A phenomenally warm day in February is welcome, Nature in April is glorious, a May morning is exquisite ; but June, leafy June, far outshines them all. Why? By this time our Summer visitors have arrived and settled down to peaceful enjoyment of their six months ' sojourn amongst us. The last of our migrants reached us in the ordinary course by the middle of May — the Swift, Flycatcher, Landrail, and Nightjar. The Swallow now skims over the surface of the river and the pool, and rises and falls gracefully through the crowded thor- oughfares with marvellous rapidity: the gentle House Martin under the eaves utters its pleasant, though feeble, warble, and no bird is more conscious of protection. As one rambles across the glorious green pastures — the beaten track winding along in curious zig-zag lines — one inhales the NEST AND EGGS OF GREENFINCH. NATURE IN JUNE. I. 137 cool, sweet breath of early morn and the scented hedgerows. How lovely the hedges, and the solitary snow-white bush in the centre of a green meadow! Twittering and fluttering over the topmost twigs of this sunlit hedgerow the Blackcap appears. I venture to think the most ignorant or casual observer could not mistake this bird as one resident in our Country the whole year through. With the ashy-grey underparts, the slightly darker back, and the black cap from which it derives its name, it flits about in a playful skirmish, pouring out its joyous melodies, which some Naturalists consider superior to the Nightingale. An illustration of the nest and eggs of the Hawfinch has already been given, but Mr. Webster has presented us with a very life-like study of the parent birds, a young fledgling and four eggs. One of the parent birds is in the act of feeding its first hatched fledgling with a fine fat grub or insect of some description. All along the banks and ditches, the Greater and Lesser Stitchworts are still in their beauty, whilst the foliage of the now drooping Anemones pleasingly contrasts with the fading mass of Wild Hyacinths. Even the pale Primroses have not yet all bid us adieu, and Cowslips abound in the copses and on the sloping railway banks ; whilst Oxeye Daisies are making very rapid headway. In one way I often feel pleased to hear of a railway extension, for the reason that the well kept hawthorn hedges which form the boundaries on either side, are excellent sanctuaries for our wild birds to build in and bring up their fledglings unmolested and undisturbed. On the hillside the green pastures are be-jewelled with Dai- sies, like bright stars in a verdant firmament. What highly prized flowers these latter would be were they not so plentiful 1 Then there is the Speedwell, pretty little blue flowers whose petals are a study worthy of an artist's brush: or the Hearts- ease in the corn-field, with its wonderful colourings by the Master Painter. Not far from this spot we may have the good fortune to find the nest of that scorner of the ground, the Skylark. A very difficult nest to find, and one can be very easily lured away by the bird. Three or four dark eggs— about the size of a House Sparrow's — lie in the cup, whilst they are sometimes placed in the footprint of a horse or cow. A PAIR OF HAWFINCHES, NEST, EGGS AND YOUNG. . NEST AND EGGS OF PHEASANT. A YEAR WITH NATURE. Any essay on Nature would be far from complete without allusion to the song of this bird. Even Marie Corelli in her fascinating book "The Mighty Atom" could not refrain from mentioning it, and beautifully depicts the scene thus: — There sailed a stray bit of fleecy cloud, here flew a swift-winged swallow, and immediately above him, quivering aloft among the sunbeams like a jewel suspended in mid-heaven, carolled a lark, with all that tender joyousness which has inspired one of the sweetest of our English poets to write of it thus: — 'From out the roseate cloud, athwart the blue, I hear thee sound anew That song of thine a-shimmering down the sky, And daisies, touched thereby, Look up to thee in tears which men mistake for dew. Thou hast within thy throat a peal of bells, Dear dainty fare-thee-wells. And like a flame dost leap from cloud to cloud: Is't this that makes thee proud? Or is't that nest of thine, deep hidden in the dells?' Marie Corelli quotes further stanzas from the writer of these delightful verses — Eric Mackay — but I have selected the two which in my opinion are the most beautiful. In all these sweet songs about the Lark we must not, however, forget the other sights and sounds on a June morning. Sylvan scenes abound with joy and happiness after the warm refreshing rains, the earth teems with insect life, the air is resonant with the songs of innumerable happy birds. Shady nooks, ferny dales, and the whole woodland rings with the fluty notes of Blackbird or Thrush. Running nimbly up the venerable oak — which is covered with beautiful silver lichen, interspersed with other gorgeous hues — the Squirrel is seen. So soon as he reaches a fork in the tree, down he squats on his hind quarters, and with his keen eye watches our movements. Then, observing us moving, he again ascends to the next storey, and on again, until we lose sight of him as he skims along the highest twigs from tree top to tree top with wonderful agility. Whilst watching here, we notice some newly-bored holes in a fir tree, and on tapping the 142 A YEAR WITH NATURE. trunk a Green or Lesser Spotted Woodpecker darts out and off into the thicket. Very secure from the intruder or nest- robber are the eggs and young of these birds, inasmuch as without hand-saw or chisel it is practically impossible to reach them. The eggs alone — which in colour are of a beautiful opaque, glossy white — call forth our admiration. What a study it is to stand right underneath a Heronry and watch the huge parent birds flying to and from their nest trees. What a fine fellow the male bird is may best be followed by an inspection of the group given. One hardly credits that this large company is all one family, but such it is. Notice the bird on the left hand side preening its wing- feathers, and the huddled up youngsters in the flat structure of sticks and twigs. On the low branches of the firs, above the pliant branches overhanging the pathways, the Lesser and Greater White- throats may be heard uttering sweet little carols, and in the bushes we may find a Hedge Sparrow's nest containing the egg of a Cuckoo, which will very soon hatch into a large nestling. A feeling of pleasure steals over one when the Cuckoo's egg is lighted upon, probably because it is not a common occurrence, although my Ornithological diary reminds me of a certain lucky day in Bedfordshire when I found no fewer than six, all laid in the nest of the bird mentioned. Occasionally two eggs are found in the same nest, but it has yet to be ascertained whether they are both laid by the same Cuckoo. The colourings of the eggs of this interesting bird vary a great deal, but I have never yet come across such specimens as are located in the Natural History Museum at South Kensing- ton, where are exhibited, among others, three Cuckoo's eggs similar in colour to those of the birds in whose nests they were laid, namely, the Hedge Sparrow, Pied Flycatcher, and Redstart, all of whose eggs are blue; a wonderful diversity indeed, and one which requires a deal of explanation. The bird has been known to place its egg in the nests of 120 or more varieties. At the foot of a hill in the woodland glen, a silent pool is found, and peeping above the surface are Rushes of various NATURE IN JUNE. I. '43; ' 144 A YEAR WITH NATURE. hues. The sunlight just reaching one corner has a charming effect, and shows off to perfection the glories of light and shade. Perchance the nests of the Sedge and Reed Warbler may here be found, illustrations of both of which are given on the previous page. The Reed Warbler's nest is much deeper than that of its relation and is wonderfully secured between the stems of reeds, while the Sedge Warbler — that inimitable English Mocking Bird — builds by no means a wonderful structure, yet it is tidy and neat. The Pied Wagtail should here be seen disporting itself, and often very unlooked-for varieties pay a visit to the brink of the pool to quench their thirst, preparatory to taking part again in the great orchestra of Nature. A Linnet may look in from the commons, or even a Nuthatch may come down from his perch on the tree tops, then back again, and proceed to call his mate by his peculiar whistle. Passing on, the scene grows more beautiful : the clean crisp fir balls and the old needles of the firs and pines, shed upon the ground, make a smoothly carpeted way. The blue sky is just discernible through the trees, and the rays of the sun peeping through here and there throw light upon the shining leaves of Holly or Nut Hazel. A startled Jay darts through the sunbeams; a Rabbit runs almost within touch; Bees buzz by in their gorgeous belts of blue, Butterflies of dazzling hue flit hither and thither. Many times have I witnessed such a scene in beauteous Bedfordshire, and stood meditating as to how long it would last. The handsome Goldfinch still exists in sufficient numbers to take up the chorus of welcome, and the Chaffinch is frequently conspicuous, but the other Finch — Bully — is not so often met with. Why it should be I cannot say, unless it is that he is captured in large numbers for the sake of his well-known powers of imitation, but if not brought up from the nest no good results are likely to be obtained. The beautiful root and twig nest of this Finch, with occasionally a sparing lining of black hair, is well worth illustrating and Mr. Newman has supplied us with excellent materials for reproduction, as will be seen. Having reached the outskirts of the wood, we come to the open country. Running right up to the hedgerow is a corn- NEST AND EGGS OF BULLFINCH. '. ..... c- ,-..,., 10 146 A YEAR WITH NATURE. field, the gentle breeze tossing to and fro the shimmering blades. A few Rooks lazily winging their way homewards cast curious shadows on the meadows. Suddenly a Redstart takes up its position on the topmost twigs, showing off with evident pride its flame-coloured tail feathers. Probably in some out-house or barn the nest may be found, containing seven pale blue or green eggs, and how assiduously this bird attends to its young! In a carpenter's shop 1 found a nest which was placed on a ledge near the roof, the bird entering the building through a hole which at some time or other had been made for the insertion of a stove pipe. In and out the whole day long the parent birds passed. A curious hissing noise is made by the young. On buoyant wings the Tree Pipit is seen. Having reached a certain height he descends rapidly, alighting for the most part, though not always, on to the branch of a tree, and ever singing. The haughty Swans by the willows have a couple of eggs in the nest, which consists of aquatic plants, such as rushes and reeds. Five or six more eggs have to be laid to complete the clutch. It is the largest egg laid by any bird now breeding in our country. It is pleasing to observe the attention which is now being given by the Press to Natural History. Thus encouraged, the study is making very rapid headway, and surely there is no stronger safeguard against frittering away the energies of the brain than the early cultivation of a sensible hobby. Keep- ing the mind occupied helps one considerably, and parents would do well to encourage their growing children to set out in the shape of written thought their ideas on topics which engross their juvenile attention. The study of Nature is one which should afford pleasure, impart useful information, and sow seeds of culture in the garden of the mind. Miss Jekyll in her delightful book "Wood and Garden" beautifully writes of June, thus : — "June is here— thank God for lovely June I The soft cooing of the wood-dove, the glad song of many birds, the flitting of butterflies, the hum of all the little winged people among the branches, the sweet earth scents all seem to say the same, with endless reiteration, never wearying because so gladsome," A PAIR OF MUTE SWANS NEST AND EGGS. 148 A YEAR WITH NATURE. and, then again, to quote S. Reynolds Hole : — " The bees were working in and out of their hives, like busy men in the City, and butterflies were flirting among the flowers, like idle men in the Park." England may well be proud of sermon-writers such as those whose sweet and delightful word-pictures I have just quoted. NATURE IN JUNE. II. RALPH Waldo Emerson has said, " There are no half hinges in Nature." But what a delightful month is June, half hinges or otherwise ! By now the whole land of England has become a fairy garden, May has blossomed into June. Each morning I walk through a corn-field, and notice the " throwing up" of the ear-blades, and the hay waving ripe for the mower. Right on the edge of the path four young Skylarks are seen, al- most ready to fly, or soar to the skies above. The male bird is still in song, he sings right through the breeding season. Many birds are silent at this important season, but among others which are not may be mentioned the Robin, Wren, Chaffinch, Willow Wren, Song Thrush, Hedge Sparrow, White- throat, and Blackcap. The Nightingale ceases its song when the young are hatched, but should they be taken and another nest is built, he re-assumes again. The hundreds of Grasses must only receive a passing note. We pick up a handful just laid low by the mower's scythe, and remark that many grasses yield excellent corn, and that it is from these that the bread we eat has been cultivated. This is the month of Roses, and the season being late, the Hawthorn has not yet lost its snowy sheen. What a fine background, too, is the light green of the corn shoots for the Scarlet Poppy! The seeds on the Wych Elm are dying off, but the sweet-scented Honeysuckle is coming forward apace. The three varieties of Dead Nettles— White, Red, and Yellow — make a brave show with the Hedge Stachys and the Foxgloves. Along the hedgerows we notice the larvae of the Froth Fly or Frog Hopper, commonly called Cuckoo Spit, and taking one in our hands pick out the greenish-yellow insect. Nestling right at our feet almost, in a briar, is a Greater Whitethroat's nest, YOUNG SKYLARKS AND NEST. NATURE IN JUNE. II. 151 containing four eggs, and just above in the bank a Robin's snug homestead is found with a similar number of freckled eggs, sitting hard. Not far away — by the roadside — a Partridge or Pheasant startles us, and we find the nests and eggs after a careful search. How beautiful the Meadow Sweet hereabouts, as well as the Fly Orchis, the Buck Bean in the marshy places, and the Ragged CUCKOO'S EGG IN NEST OF HEDGE SPARROW. Robin. We notice the flowers of the Watercress — on top ot one a Wagtail is disporting himself — a Dragon Fly whizzes by ; we upheave an Earth Nut ; pluck a Forget-me-not, and notice the bluish purple of the Meadow Crane's Bill, the Sweet Scented Vernal Grass, the fading Hyacinths, and the meadows one sheet of brilliant yellow with the Upright Meadow Crowfoot. I have not yet exhausted the list, how rich we are in wild 152 A YEAR WITH NATURE. flowers when we come to examine them. Have we not in June, too, the Periwinkle, Yellow Rattle, Bird's Foot Trefoil, the flowering Groundsel and Thistles, Goosegrass, Red and White Clover, Bladder Campion, Water Violet, Arum or Cuckoo Pint, Blue Borage, the Holly blossom, and then in the gardens the Pink, Red, and White May, Laburnum, Mountain Ash, Guelder Rose, Chestnut (Red and White), Pinks, Wall-flowers, Pansies, Canterbury Bells, Geraniums, and on and on? Nearer the river, Marsh Mallows and Dandelions ; large flaring Buttercups, Yellow Iris, and many coloured Rushes and Sedges, and porcelain petals of the Water Lilies floating on the surface of the lazy stream 1 There are no half hinges in Nature ! But the birds, we are forgetting them in our love for flower-land. Right up in the sullen green branches of the tardy oak, or in amongst the pale lemon of the ash or the burnished red of the beech, the Chaffinch sings, and on the lower branch a Yellow Bunting utters his love song. June is famous for three bird sounds, the ''bleating" of the Snipe, the "trill" of the Grass- hopper Warbler, and the "purr" of the Nightjar. In our illustration of the Corncrake will be seen both parent birds crouching in the herbage, as well as the nest, a broken egg, and two or three of the fluffy little fledglings. From the farmyard in the distance comes the screaming of a Guinea Fowl, and flying round — tumbling in the sunlight — we notice a score of Pigeons. Our friend who is with us has never seen that curious Beetle spit blood, when the insect itself is spat upon, and as we light upon one by the roadside we illustrate our meaning. He is dumfounded almost 1 Miles away from the town or village are we now, but scam- pering up a chestnut tree by the wayside a large black Cat is seen. He is poaching, and many of the feathered tribe fall preys to his mauling claws. If the keeper spots him I would not give much for his life. Cats do more harm to young birds than most people imagine, especially London cats. Passing on, we notice that it will be a good Nut year. The stems are loaded; the Field Convolvulus peeps out here and there and meets our gaze. We come across a great sprawling Cuckoo in a Hedge Sparrow's nest. The big-little bird has ejected the little-little birds with his rump, which is well-shaped 154 A YEAR WITH NATURE. for such an operation. The cavity fills up after he has been in the world long enough to kill his foster brothers and sisters. How much more we have yet to learn about this extraordinary birdl The Cuckoo's Mate is heard from that belt of wood- land ; Nightingales — it is still three hours before the sun sets- were never more plentiful, and the Cuckoo is almost every- where. We are in Hertfordshire. Are we more favoured here than elsewhere with these two birds? The Swallows and Martins are busy round an old tumble- down barn. The nests of the Chaffinch do not look so fresh as when we last wrote, but what a delicate little home the Chiff Chaff has at the foot of a furze bush, right underneath some overhanging grasses. Six freckled eggs were in the nest, and in the bush above a Song Thrush's, containing four young- sters. The parent will not budge, what an instance of loyalty and affection. Much more could I write, of the Blackcap's warble, the Woodpecker's ripple of laughter and the many other Warblers, but notice how silent the Titmice are! It is later now, the Swifts are out for their night-fly. Charles Witchell truly says: — " The chorus of Swifts, heard at thirty-five minutes after sunset, indicates that a group of these birds is about to rise for the accustomed night-fly in the sky, which is one of the most extraordinary phenomena in the whole region of Ornithology." How the Swifts cling to a wall or building may be seen on a reference to the group presented on page 155. Here we see a nest full of the curious looking youngsters, a pair of birds in their flight, and a second nest containing one of the beautiful pure white eggs. I close with a quotation from an article on fishing by "H." in the Saturday, it so realistically represents the closing scene, and the afterward : " The heart of the night opens, fold on fold, like a flower, fragrant with unseen meadow sweet, till suddenly the dewy sensation of approaching morning strikes across it, and you begin to see the shapes of things dimly as the light spreads up the East, changing from silver to an amber clearness in which the stars are melted, and from amber to the orange light of widening day." SWIFTS, NESTS, EGG AND YOUNG. KH^ r ?win« COUNTRY LIFE. LIFE in the country can, of course, be looked at from various standpoints, but methinks the Nature lover appreciates it the more fully. What would the zealous student of Nature do with- out the glorious country side, the leafy lanes, the ferny meads, the golden coppice, the arable lands, the shallow rivulet, and the stagnant pool, the glens and heaths, or even the farm-yard? Our friends the birds — and I use the term " friends" discreetly — are found in these situations all happy and contented. Even the Chanticleer, that bird of the farmyard, interests us : 4 Gold plume and copper plume. Comb of scarlet gay, 'Tis he that scatters night and gloom, And whistles back the day. Black fear, he sends it flying, Black care he drives afar, And creeping shadows sighing, Before the morning star.' What is more interesting and enjoyable than life in the coun- try? I am a lover of Nature and perhaps I may be somewhat prejudiced, but I watch that golden splash on the wall in June — the first sunlit beam — with great satisfaction and hurry out I rise and inhale the fresh air; the scented Hawthorn, Honey suckle, and Pinks, are cool and refreshing. The birds are early risers, too, the old adage says the early bird catches the worm; the Cuckoo is the earliest of them all, followed by the voracious Greenfinch at 1.30 a.m., the Blackcap at 2.30, the Quail at 3, the fluty Blackbird at 4, the Robin and the Wren at 4.30, the Thrush about 4.50, and the much despised and hated House Sparrow shortly after, then the Titmice, and the A PAIR OF RED BACKED SHRIKES, AND NEST HORSE CHESTNUT IN BLOOM. l6o A YEAR WITH NATURE. Lark a little later. To see the Lark on its first morning journey towering towards the azure sky, with its Tirra-lay Day's begun, to hear the melodious notes of our highly prized song birds; to watch the industrious Titmice as they pick the lurking insects from the fruit trees; to gaze upon the hundred and one antics of the Pied or Yellow Wagtails, affords delight to me when I think of what I am enjoying and others, less fortunate perhaps, are missing. There is only a gentle breeze which lightly stirs the top- most twigs, while the green domes of foliage stand out clear and sharp against the blue and white of an early June sky. What would country life be without such exquisite dainties? In the gardens may be seen Iris, Purple, Yellow and White; golden rimmed Roses mingling with crimson; a patch of gorgeous Poppies, Pyrethrum, Columbine, and Narcissus bespat- tered with clear fresh dew-drops; Laburnum, together with budding Carnations, and rainbow Pansies. This, too, is the season of the Chestnut blossom, White and Pink. How picturesque is the avenue of Pink Chestnuts with the green leaves, winging their way over the tops of which are a score or more Rooks about to commence their work of destroying thousands of that destructive grub, the wireworm. The depredations of the Crow often leads to the persecution of the Rook. The Pink Chestnut is not the only evidence of pink in early June. The Double Pink May is now in its beauty, and what a great show it makes. Secreted in its thickest branches the Merle or Mavis may have a nest, containing, perchance, four or five young fledglings. The gaily-plumed Chaffinch, too, is very partial to the hawthorn, wherein he builds what is un- doubtedly one of the most beautifully constructed nests of our British Birds. Every component part of Nature is touched with tender colour, and one may emerge from the sun-scorched paths and catch the warm winds that blow across the glorious commons. NEST AND EGGS OF WOOD WARBLER. . . II 1 62 A YEAR WITH NATURE. Under the eaves of the cottage the House Martin is busy feeding its young brood; the Swallow is dropping in the village pool, and dexterously catching myriads of insects; the Swifts have young in the welcome shelter afforded them under the roof of the village school, and the smallest of the Swallow tribe — the Sand Martin — inhabits the parish sand-pit in large numbers. 'Over the marshes crieth a Curlew; Wild is its music, weird is its home 5 Over the desolate bits of black water, Over the hoar, withered grass it is borne.' To a lover of country life, how beautiful the colour of the landscape is under almost any circumstances! In Summer or Winter, by day, and also at night, there is the exhibition of hues that holds him entranced. There is the soft radiance of the dawn, and the glorious gorgeousness of the sunset. There is the luxuriance of verdure and bloom at one season, and the delicacy of the tints that fall upon the snow at another. All this beauty he who has the artist soul experiences. Without such environments the study of birds would be a very dull affair. Museums are, to an extent, welcome, but to get back again to the country-side ; to study and meet our feathered pets in their natural haunts; to listen to their anthems of praise poured forth from the scented hedgerows and the woodland glens, is the Utopia of our desires. Here we may make original observations, and others, beside ourselves, may probably profit by them. That is why we do it, or, at any rate, should do. There is a satisfaction in this knowledge which only those who worship at the shrine of Country Life appreciate to the full extent. Ornithology is, to many lovers of country life, "the Queen of Sciences," and it fully deserves the honour. Birds, generally speaking, are our friends, and not our enemies. Without their aid, vegetation would be laid bare and desolate ; minus their voices the wayside would be drear and dull; without their rainbow plumes and their sombre garbs — a cheerful intermingling — the sunshine would lose much of its lustre; without their welcome cups in the hedgerows, their presence on the fallow lands and marshes, A PAIR OF HOUSE MARTINS AND NEST. 1 64 A YEAR WITH NATURE. country life would be a very tame affair. What would there be to relieve the monotony? Natural History is a study worthy of the greatest minds. The late lamented Mr. Gladstone in writing to me a few months before his death, said that he sincerely hoped more attention would be paid to it in our system of education hereafter than had heretofore been accorded to it, and if it was a subject which claimed his admiration and attention, surely it is one worth following. Lowell says that " Peace is a good thing, but principle and pluck are better," and Lowell is right in a sense, but all these three should be combined in the qualifications of a Naturalist. Country life for the zealous student of Nature, is peace. In carrying out his hobby properly he exhibits pluck and a noble principle, and while we have the opportunity presented to us, let us, in order to obtain a good reputation, endeavour to be what we desire to appear, and afford protection to those creatures who cannot protect themselves. JULY. A FIELD OF OATS. NATURE IN JULY. I. Miss Norah Hopper in some verses written on July says : — 1 Cuckoos shouting in the woods; landrails craking, Nightingales the livelong night on thorns their songbooks making.' Unfortunately Miss Hopper has fallen into a grave error in these two lines, for the Cuckoo does not "shout" in July, neither does the Nightingale make its songbook on thorns the livelong July night. Neither bird sings after June, although it is true I have heard the Cuckoo during the first day or two in July, and Philomel on the 3 serrated along the free edge, which enables its possessor to obtain a firmer grasp of the fruits upon which it feeds. The illustration should be interesting to those unacquainted with the subject under consideration. Again a great diversity presents itself in the case of the re-curved bill of the gentle Avocet— a slim, frail- looking one by the side of some of the powerful examples which have been illustrated. This is one of our lost British Birds, and was wantonly exterminated in Britain during the fore-part of the Nineteenth century. It is a beautiful and curious little bird, gentle and inoffensive. The BEAK OF PUFFIN. long, upturned bill is worked by the bird from side to side in the mud, where it obtains insects and larvae, small crustaceans, and worms. Charles Dixon notes that the captured morsel is swallowed with a toss of the head. I well remember the curiosity I evinced in the Flamingo when I first saw this bird alive, and often realize why the youngsters BEAK OF GUILLEMOT. stare with amazement when 222 A YEAR WITH NATURE. BEAK OF MAMO. viewing them in some Zoological collection. The length of its stilt-like legs, its gigantic neck, the comparative smallness of the body and its peculiar beak, all add to the striking curiosity which invariably calls forth the remark from the onlooker, " Well ! What an extraordinary bird ! " Its long legs enable it to wade in pretty deep waters, the neck permits it to search a wide radius without moving its legs, and whatever it has captured stands a poor chance of escape when in the firm grasp of the powerful bill. Most people are acquainted with birds sitting in or on a nest whilst the important period of incubation is in progress, but the Flamingo rests upon a hillock in the marshes in a standing attitude, with the feet on the marshy ground, or even in the water. The beak of the Woodcock I have illustrated for the purpose of showing an almost straight one, but slightly curved at the extremity. As is, perhaps, well known to my readers, this bird breeds regularly in the British Isles, a remark which similarly applies to the next bird dealt with. A beak to be proud of, I always think, is that of the Curlew, which, it will be noticed, is gradually curved the whole length — a variation from that of the Woodcock which is extremely interesting. A curious fact regarding some of these birds is that on the South coast there is a little group of females and males which never breed. Parental care or matrimony is evidently an experiment which these particular birds do not care to undertake. Our next is indeed a curious beak, and a curious-looking bird altogether. The structure of the Puffin's beak is yet another example of the wondrous workings of Nature, BEAK OF MACAW. for it is nearly as deep as long, BEAK OF RHINOCEROS HORNBILL. A STUDY IN BIRDS' BEAKS. BEAK OF CROSSBILL. and very compressed. The bird itself is an excellent diver, and may often be seen with a row of sprats — its favourite food — hanging from the bill, their heads being secured between the mandibles ; and, taking a curved sweep upwards, it bears them to its young one — for only one egg is laid. In its general habits the Guillemot somewhat resembles the Puffin, and that is my reason for giving an illustration of the diversity which exists in the beaks of the two birds. There is such a marked difference, that the two illustrations on being compared will I hope, interest, elevate, and amuse the most indifferent observer. In the next illustration on the top of the previous page we have a beak built somewhat on the lines of the Curlew, and yet a variance will be seen. The Mamo is a lost exotic bird, whose yellow plumes were used, it is said, to embellish the State robes of chiefs. The curious horned-bill of the Rhinoceros Hornbill is about loin, long, and of a yellowish white in colour ; the upper mandible red at the base, the lower black. The horn on the top is varied with black and white. One really cannot fail to be struck with this beak, and it is the nearest approach to a beak which would enable a bird to "toss" a person, with which I am acquainted. The beak without the horn would be striking, but the presence of this latter intensifies it to a remarkable degree. These are most frugivorous birds. They live mostly on fruit, and will BEAK OF CURL-CRESTED ARACARIS. SOO11 Strip a tree. Some of thoSC species found in Africa are said to also feed, on reptiles. Mr. Wallace says that the extraordinary habit of the male, in plastering up the female with her egg BEAK OF GREAT BLACK WOODPECKER. 224 A YEAR WITH NATURE. BEAK OF HOOPOE. and feeding her during the whole time of incubation till the young one is fledged, is common to several of the large Hornbills, and is one of those strange facts in Natural History which are 'stranger than fiction.' Doubtless any lady readers of this article will recognise the beak of the Macaw as somewhat resembling that of their favourite *' Polly." It is indeed a fine beak, and is of enormous size and strength, and enables the Macaw to prepare for digestion the fruit of a kind of palm abundant abroad in humid or marshy places. Probably the most curious beak of any bird which breeds at the present day in our own beloved country is that of the Crossbill, which BEAK OF LATHAM>S has bred, among other places, in Yorkshire BARBET. during the past Summer on the estate of a gentleman who affords protection to our Wild Birds. It is evident that the peculiar crossed bill of this bird enables it to more easily extricate the seeds of pine and other trees, which constitute its food. With such a tool as the Woodpecker ADJUTANT, possesses, it is small wonder the dexterity with which a hole in a tree is hewn out by these interesting birds, wherein to build the apology for a nest. It is one of the most efficient instruments possible for splitting and chipping bark or decayed wood: immensely strong and thick at its base, whence it narrows to a hard, compressed tip — which is abruptly squared off, and sharp, like a minute chisel. The curious saw-like bill of the Curl- Crested Aracaris looks very peculiar by the side of some of the smaller beaks BEAK OF PELICAN, SHOWING illustrated in this essay. The beak is POUCH CLOSED. BEAK OF A STUDY IN BIRDS BEAKS. 225 BEAK OF PELICAN, SHOWING POUCH OPEN. lengthened, both mandibles being edged with thickly-set white serratures. It is a bird of magnificent plumage, and no less an authority than Mr. Gould has said that it is impossible for the artist to do the bird justice. The bill of the Hoopoe appears to me to be of the exact construction for setting off to perfection the general structure of this remarkable and beautiful bird. The long beak suits the bird admirably for searching among rotten wood and the bark of trees for insects, upon which it feeds. Bechstein gives an interesting account of some of these birds kept in captivity, which were very fond of beetles and May-bugs; these they first killed and then beat them with their beak into a kind of oblong ball. Without doubt, this lovely bird would breed with us if not shot whenever seen, and that it is has bred of late years I personally have no hesitation in saying, for the reason that a friend once saw, a few years back in Sussex, two parent birds and three or four young ones just able to fly. The beak 'of Latham's Barbet always strikes me as being a very curious one, because of the presence of the hairs or little feather-stems — or whatever they may be most accurately called — as illustrated in my sketch of this bird's bill. The beak is conical, slightly compressed, and a little elevated in the middle. The Adjutant is yet another bird which calls forth amazement, which is probably due to the bird's strange look as well as its curious postures and attitudes. The Adjutant with shoulders shrugged, is certainly a very striking bird and its powerful beak adds to it in a marked degree. Visitors to St. James's and other London parks are well acquainted with the Pelicans there located, and an illustration of their wonderful bill is interesting. It is very long, broad, BEAK AND TONGUE OF WRYNECK. 226 A YEAR WITH NATURE. flattened, and straight, with a hooked projection at the extremity of the upper mandible. To see these birds plunge their long beaks and necks under water, and net the fish in their capacious pouches, is a sight worth seeing, and the dimensions of the pouch may well be imagined when I state that it is so dilatable as to be capable of containing two gallons of water; yet the bird has the power of contracting this membranous expansion, by wrinkling it up under the lower mandible until it is scarcely to be seen ! The illustration of the Wryneck enables me to exhibit the beak and tongue of this bird, the long, retractile tongue affording it the opportunity of taking insects from the ant-hills, which it visits in a similar manner to the Green Woodpecker. My last illustration is certainly not by any means the least as regards its proportions. It is a very long beak, more or less curved upwards, and soft and flexible. This Godwit is practi- cally an extinct British Bird, and with the remark that it undergoes — with other allied species— a double moult, which nearly changes the entire colour of the plumage and has led to some confusion, my little sketch closes. BEAK OF BLACK-TAILED GODWIT. OCTOBER. NATURE IN OCTOBER. IT seems as recent as yesterday that we were complaining of the terrible heat and longing for a change to cooler weather. It is here all too soon for it is quite chilly now, and as I write, although it is only six in the evening, the Bat has commenced its night prowls, and the last long straggling flock of Rooks has passed overhead to the roost trees. Last month it will be remembered I mentioned a very beautiful Caterpillar found in my garden. It was the Caterpillar of the Privet Hawk Moth. The main colour is yellowish green, on either side it has seven stripes of heliotrope and white, which, as seen on the yellowish green ground, is one of the most beautiful blendings in Nature, and a wonderful example of her handiwork. All Caterpil- lars of the Hawk Moths have a horny protuberance at the ex- tremity of the back; the curved horn on the Privet Hawk Moth Caterpillar is shiny black, yellowish at the base. It has a dark green head, four large double sets of crawlers and three small double sets, as well as two at the extremity. I can only add here that these Caterpillars possess wonder- ful clinging powers, and to watch them feeding is a study in itself. They dig into the privet leaves as quickly and as suc- cessfully as a circular saw goes through a log, and when I state 'that one in my possession devoured thirty privet leaves in eight hours it will be seen that a hedge of privet invaded by a horde of these creatures may soon be stripped of every vestige of foliage. The Goat Moth Caterpillar, too, is a very beautiful one, having a patch of chestnut red on the back of each segment of its long body, with an entirely black head. It does not consume the foliage of trees like so many other Caterpillars, but derives its nutriment from the solid wood, which it readily comminutes by the action of its jaws. As I have commenced my October sketch by a reference to Caterpillars of the Hawk Moths, it is interesting to notice that . 230 A YEAR WITH NATURE. during the summer of 1899 the Humming Bird Hawk Moth was exceedingly plentiful, and many residents in the country mistook the Moth for a Humming Bird, owing no doubt to the rapidity of the Moth's flight. The late A. H. Haworth, in his delightful volume on "British Lepidoptera," thus describes it — "This interesting species, in the winged state, frequents gardens, flying in sunny weather during most of the day. Its food is the nectareous juice of the tube-bearing flowers. This it ex- tracts with amazing address by the assistance of its exserted spiral tongue, inimitably posing itself all the while on rapidly vibrating wings, whence its name of Humming Bird. It is delightful indeed to behold and contemplate the dexterity ex- hibited by this charming insect whilst it sails, all gaiety and grace, round the tall sprig of a lark-spur, or other flower, probing to the very bottom every single tube, neglecting none, and trying no one twice.'* The colour of the fore-wings is brown with blackish transverse markings, and of the hind-wing orange with brownish fringes. The body is brown, and has a caudal tuft of black hairs, which is capable of being expanded and shut up. Hot weather is, as a rule, favourable to insect life, and the summer of 1899 was a notable instance of this. The sparkling little Copper Butterfly is described by Stain- ton as " October's one Butterfly," but on warm days the Red Admiral may still be seen. During the Summer named it was more plentiful than I have ever known it to be. The Gamma Moth is to be seen on bright Autumn days, as well as the Many Plumed Moth. The Crane Fly — commonly known as the Daddy Long Legs — is about too, and although a far cry from the insect world, this is the Fungi Season. When sere leaves fall we know that the Summer is past, and Winter is fast approaching. To the Ornithologist it is a somewhat melancholy season for the reason that his favourite feathered visitors have nearly all departed. It is at the Autumn season, when the golden and bronzed leaves flutter carelessly to mother earth, that our thoughts often wander to the birds which have been with us during the Summer. I sup- pose that of all the wonderful and varying traits in the character of a bird, there is nothing more marvellous than the way in which migration movements are conducted, and I am often NATURE IN OCTOBER. 231 asked by an enthusiastic enquirer to say how our smaller birds, such as the Chiff Chaff, the Willow Wren, the two White- throats, the Wood Warbler, and many others, accomplish the task of travelling thousands upon thousands of miles, from clime to clime, without resting. How these tiny creatures which, when amongst us in this fair free land of ours only seem able to flit from twig to twig along some sunlit hedgerow, or the Corncrake which runs through the cornfield, never hardly seen on the wing whilst here in England and more often heard than seen at all. endure such long and protracted flights, crossing the Mediterranean, the Bay of Biscay, and the English Channel, is one of those extraordinary feats which present day Science has not, so far as I understand it, altogether cleared up to everyone's satisfaction. Among the many mysteries of bird migration is the fact that over-sea journeys are generally conducted in the darkness, and invariably against a head wind ! The happy and busy life which our Summer migrants live whilst they are with us strikes me as being delightful and inter- esting, and many of them seem loth to quit our shores when the time arrives for them to seek more congenial climes. Most of them cannot know an idle moment, for so soon as they arrive here they commence the work of nidification, and when they have finished the important and busy task of raising their broods, they at once congregate, preparatory to winging their way across the sea. I have observed migrants morning after morning congregating, and had wished that it would last long, but one fine September morn when the first golden-red beams flashed across the dew-spattered meadows my friends prepared to depart and were bidden adieu by a trilling lay from a Lark, the chirping of some noisy Sparrows on the housetops, the twittering of a few Martins and Swallows, or the sweet paean of a Redbreast. As I have previously noted, most of the visitors have all taken their departure by September, and it is not necessary that I should enumerate the dates. When October winds blow, the only Summer visitors left to us are the Swallow family and a few young Cuckoos perhaps. One of the most interesting birds to be observed at this A PAIR OF KINGFISHERS. NATURE IN OCTOBER. 233 season of the year is the Tawny Owl. I have found young in the nest as late as the middle of the month. The House Sparrows are back again in my garden and are glad to avail themselves of the food thrown down for them. They are still breeding in my water-spout, and many of the females are bob-tailed. This is doubtless due to continual sitting. The plentifulness of Holly berries, red and green, and the flowering Ivy is very noticeable. All around leaves are falling, the trees are casting off their rich Summer dress for the plain but necessary garb of Winter. We know, however, that for nearly every leaf that falls there is a bud forming which will in the early Spring burst in all its richness. How beautiful to look from some eminence during October at the colours and tints of the Autumn foliage 1 Golden ming- ling with silver and rich dark red ; various shades of brown battling with primrose yellow ; light and dark greens, white, blue and ochre. It is stated that the changing of the colour in Autumn leaves is supposed to be caused by the trees absorbing oxygen during the night, which, owing to the coldness of the weather, they have not strength enough to throw out again in the daytime, and that this gives an acidity to the juices of the tree which changes the colour of the leaf, or that, otherwise, they would be pushed down by the new buds in all their green Summer array. Some admit that this may be the case with leaves that are red, but not with others that are brown and yellow. How bold and green the Fir trees stand out at this season, against the browns, reds, and yellows of Oak and Cherry, Beech and Lime, and the golden Horse Chestnut 1 The Walnut is one of the earliest trees to shed its Summer dress. What a pity it seems for these mansions to fall toppling to the ground, but the all-wise hand of Nature admits of no criticism. How the acorns and chestnuts come pelting down when the wind blows, and if we hide ourselves under the spreading chestnut trees we may have the good fortune to see a Squirrel or a Wood Mouse go scampering along with the fruit of the acorn in its mouth One of the grandest sights during this month is to pay a visit to a well wooded park where Deer are kept. It may not 234 A YEAR WITH NATURE. generally be known that Red Deer are extremely fond of Horse Chestnuts This is the rutting season, notice the swelling necks, and the perfect antlers, all in fighting trim. The swimming powers of the Deer are extraordinary. I actually knew of a fawn which had only been in the world a few moments taking to the river and swimming across to the opposite bank, half THE BRIDGEWATER CANAL. a mile across, and then back again 1 They resent any inter- ference at this season. Running through the park we visited is the Grand Junction Canal, a wonderful English waterway. The barge men and women are a happy-go-lucky set of individuals, but they are not any too kind to the horses which tow them along. What pretty sylvan scenes they glide through and what delightful spots and attractive bends one notices when walking along the tow path ! At several spots the canal is skirted with NATURE IN OCTOBER. 235 osier and reed patches. It is here that the Sedge, Reed, and Marsh Warblers are found during the Summer, together with the Reed Bunting. Turning away from these scenes across some meadow land, and then through a spinney, we observe that the Nuts are dead ripe ; we stand and watch the woodmen felling four grand old Chestnut trees and a Black Poplar, paying particular attention to the curious fruit of the latter. In the early October mornings the dew glistens brightly as: the sun rises. It rises later now and sets earlier. It is a pouring wet morning, but the Robin sings for all he is worth. I very rarely see a Redbreast which -does not sing. The arrival and departure of our Summer migrants has already been alluded to, and the same remarks apply to the Autumn visitors. The Fieldfare and the Redwing are with us now, as also the Jack Snipe, and there has been an influx of Woodcocks The Black Tailed Godwit visits us in the Autumn, but is now extinct as a British Breeding Bird. The Skylark has been very silent of late, but he will find that trilling lay of his again shortly. Early in the month the Hop season ends, and it is interesting to note that it is the last ingathering that finds employment for the poor of the Country. The Autumn sunbeams are thrown on the pool, and a Moorhen or Little Grebe goes swimming right across. Glanc- ing into the water we may see the Great Water Beetle, and in light sandy districts the curious Burying Beetle. In the willows one may find the Armadillo Woodlouse. These creatures burrow and tunnel in the trunks and branches so as to riddle it with holes, so much so that when struck or tapped it appears to be hollow. The Woodpeckers and Creepers find these trees out ; they love Woodlice, The Elder-berries are quite ripe, and so are the berries of the Privet. Bullfinches are very fond of the latter. The Meadow Saffron is in bloom, together with Hare-bells, and Ling. Great White Bindweed is about, as well as Teasel, and Blackberries. The Greenfinch is very partial to the last named berries. Passing on, the observer notices that the Hornbeam retains its foliage until Spring. Our last botanical remark this month is as to the loveliness of the various Wall Creepers at this 236 A YEAR WITH NATURE. season. They are far too delicate and beautiful to escape our attention. The flocks do not remain in the fields now as the nights are too cold, and they are driven to the folds. We close our essay for October by a reference to Oak-Galls or Oak-Balls. These are caused by the Gall Fly. Shortly stated, the insect deposits its eggs in the young twigs, the sap soon commences to gather, the balls gradually form and harden. The grub within feeds for a time upon the soft spongy interior, and when ready to quit drills a small hole and casts itself upon the wide unthinking world. . A STUDY IN BIRDS' TAILS. WHEN one looks carefully and minutely into the various branches of Ornithology, the interesting and useful information that is im- parted is indeed wonderful. Who, for instance, would imagine that there existed such a vast difference in the structure of birds' tails? Yet, as will be seen from this illustrated article, the diversity is truly astonishing to the unobservant, and even to the cultivated eye of the Naturalist. The tails of our British Birds do not vary nearly so much as those of tropical and foreign climes, and therefore this sketch will deal chiefly with those possessed by feathered wonders across the seas. If our attention was not directed to these variances, we should probably never, during our brief three score years and ten, realise to the full in what a degree they exist. Even bird-lovers who have lived in the country the whole of their lives, and have had Swallows and Martins as companions for years, do not know what an easy matter it is to distinguish between the two birds — if by no other characteristic by the formation of their tail feathers. In the first two illustrations we have the tails of the Swallow and the House Martin, and an examination will show the reader how the two tails differ. That of the Swallow is conspicuously forked, whilst the gentle little Martin is distinguished by the less forked character of the tail. This difference is even more apparent when the birds are seen flying, especially when directly overhead. One hears the remark occasionally from a country wag that "You never see a Martin without a swallow.3'' This is not to be disputed, but at the same time it rray be equally true that a person may think himself well-educated in bird-lore without being able accurately to point out the differences which exist in the two birds. Country people — and town-folk, too, for that matter — still persist in calling the Swift, Swallow, Martin, and A YEAR WITH NATURE. Sand-Martin all Swallows, in the same manner as Rooks and Crows are to some people all Crows. It seems curious that, although so much attention is being given by the Press of our Country to our British Birds, and that probably no Country in the wide world has had so many books written about its birds as our own beloved Britain, such utter ignorance should still prevail, and that in spite of the fact that bird literature is published at a popular price, well within the reach of the peasant as well as the peer. The tail of that interesting bird the Nightjar, is shapely and well-proportioned and materially adds to the bird's graceful aerial movements, which are conducted when twilight shadows fall; when all Nature is hushed. This bird is called in some localities the Night-Hawk, and owing to this is often persecuted — all Hawks are — but in defence of the bird it is only fair to state that it does absolutely no harm ; on the contrary, it is most beneficial in the destruction of myriads of Moths, Chaffers, and other large insects, during its nocturnal exploitations. A curious trait in the character of the Nightjar is that it does not sit on a tree crosswise, as birds in general do, but lengthwise, and rests upon it, instead of grasping it, and that with the head low, so as to almost touch it. It builds no nest, laying its two eggs upon the bare ground. The tail of the Leona Nightjar at once arrests attention, and shows in a truly marvellous manner how the tails of two birds of the same species, closely allied, may differ in their formation and construction. The two long elastic shafts which issue from the middle of the wing coverts, vary in length from eight or ten to twenty inches They are tipped with a broad web for three, four, or five inches, and occur only in the male, the female being entirely destitute of these long shafted or supplementary feathers. It appears that the tail of the male is more ornamental than useful, inasmuch as both sexes would possess the same if it was essential to the economy of the species, unless the highly improbable supposition is true that the male feeds in one manner and the female in another. In their texture the tail feathers are of an extraordinary flexible character, and are blown about with .the least breath of wind. A STUDY IN BIRDS' TAILS. 239 SWALLOW. (Fig. I.) NIGHTJAR. (Fig. 30 TERNATE KINGFISHER. (Fig. 5-> LEONA NIGHTJAR. MEXICAN TROGON. ; i (Fig. 4.) (Fig. 6.) . 240 A YEAR WITH NATURE. In the tail of the Ternate Kingfisher I am enabled to illustrate one which is somewhat after the style of the bird last dealt with, but yet on close inspection a variance will be noticeable. It is a graduated tail, and the two middle tail feathers are the longest. This is a gorgeously plumed bird, but a description of its tail feathers must suffice. These are white, margined with cerulean, the two middle ones of the same, proceeding to a narrowness, and ending spatulate, the web of the terminal por- tion being white. It is related that those specimens brought to Europe are very often destitute of the wings and legs. Truly a remarkable tail is that of the Mexican Trogon, being 7| inches long ; the two middle tail feathers are green with black tips, the two next on each side wholly black, the three outer on each side black, with white tips. It is a beautiful creature, and one of those wonderful examples of the exquisite touches of splendour which are so often found in the birds of the tropics. We pride ourselves on our beautiful Kingfisher, but our British Birds have not such a gorgeous range of colour as those found in tropical Countries, and we find we are poorly off when we bring such beauties as the Mexican Trogon beside them. The more sombre vegetation and duller skies of Great Britain suggest a more modest garb for the feathered tribe. What we lose in plumage, however, we gain in song, for the birds of the New World do not possess such melodious notes as our own Merle and Mavis, for instance, and England has the sweetest song- sters in the whole world. In Fig. 7 we have yet another illustration of one of the Trogon order — the Resplendent variety — and it is very correctly named as such. This resplendent bird is a picture of dazzling beauty, amongst the colours being golden-green, rich crimson, scarlet, and gam- boge yellow, whilst the middle tail feathers are black, the six outer ones white for nearly their entire length, their bases being black. The length of the longest plume is about three feet. It was of the brilliant feathers of these and other Trogons that the ancient Mexicans made their famous mosaic pictures. In the Fan-Tailed Flycatcher we have a tail of a very compact description, but differing from those of the two species which visit the British Isles during the Summer, although in its general habits it much resembles them. It is a native of New Holland, A STUDY IN BIRDS' TAILS. 24! and Mr. Caley says that " it frequents the small trees and bushes, from which it darts suddenly at its prey, spreading out its tail like a fan, and to appearance turning over like a tumbler pigeon, and then immediately returning to the same twig or bough from which it sprang." The tail is long, ample, and rounded, the lateral feathers are more or less white, there being some degree of variation in the extent to which this colour pervades them. A curious diversity exists in the tail of Cunningham's Bush Shrike when compared with the tail of the bird last dealt with. Mr. Vigors named the bird after Colonel Cunningham of Rio Janeiro. In some respects this Shrike appears to be somewhat similar to that of our own Red-Backed variety but the mur- dering propensities of the last-named do not, I believe, exist in Cunningham's Bush Shrike. The tail is brownish black, whilst the general colour of the bird is ash grey. The Black-Cap Titmouse is somewhat similar in its general colouring to that of the British Marsh Tit. The tail of the American species, however, is worth inclusion in this article, being of a very attractive and formidable description. In many respects this Tit resembles our own indigenous Titmice family, but, according to Nuttall, the Black-Cap Tit feeds to a greater extent upon seeds of many kinds, particularly those of an oily description, such as the Sunflower, Pine, and Spruce kernels. The tail feathers are blackish grey, edged with greyish white. The tail of the Long- Winged Swift is strikingly curious. This is a species of a very singular group of Swifts, which have the tail-feathers spined, and even more rigid than those of the Woodpeckers; by this structure, as Mr. Swainson remarks, the birds can remain for a considerable time in the most perpen- dicular situations. The expanded tail, he adds, thus acts as a powerful support, which is further increased by the size and strength of the claws. It is a short tail, with the shafts prolonged into acute points. The Paradise Whydah Bird is remarkable for the development of long caudal plumes in the male bird, characteristic of the breeding season, and subsequently lost. It is subject twice a year to changes of plumage, which, it is said, results in such a marked difference that it is with some difficulty one and the same bird is recognised. The long feathers fall off towards the 16 242 A YEAR WITH NATURE. FAN-TAILED FLYCATCHER. (Fig. 8.) CUNNINGHAM'S BUSH SHRIKE. (Fig. 9-) LONG-WINGEU SWIFT. (Fig. II.) RESPLENDENT TROGON. (Fig. 70 BLACK-CAP TITMOUSE. (Fig. 10.) PARADISE WHYDAH BIRD. (Fig. 12.) A STUDY IN BIRDS' TAILS. 243 end of Autumn, and, with the other changes which take place, little difference is apparent between that of the male bird and his plainer mate. The long tail feathers are recovered in the Spring. The bird is about the size of a Sparrow. Both the Trimmed and the Wandering Pies have very curious and attractive tails, the one in Fig. 13 being that of the first-named variety. It is a native of Cochin China. The bird is chiefly remarkable for its graduated tail, which is about twelve inches long. Each of these feathers appears as if cut and trimmed at the tip with a pair of scissors. There is nothing else very striking about the Trimmed Pie. and it only remains for me to say that the whole of the plumage is black, a little lustrous on the wings and tail. One does not notice the curiously sharp-cut feathers of the last-mentioned bird in the tail of the Wandering Pie, but for all that it is such as to claim a place in this little sketch. The tail is grey, each feather being tipped largely with black. In regard to the name by which this Pie is known, it is interest- ing to quote what Mr. Gould wrote of the bird. He says : " The specific denomination of this bird is bestowed upon it in consequence of its peculiar habit of life. The Pica Vagabunda, or Wandering Pie, unlike the typical Pies— who remain constantly stationary in one neighbourhood, seeking for their food in its vicinity— wanders from place to place, travelling over a large space of ground, and not evincing a partiality for any parti- cular situation." The tail of the British Cuckoo is well worth illustrating. There are ten tail-feathers, which are of unequal length : the two middle ones are black, dashed with ash and tipped with white, the rest black, with white spots on each side of the shaft. It strikes one as a rather curiously-constructed tail, there appearing to be so many component parts ; but all very neatly fit in, and it is a tail of which any bird might be proud ; simple in colour- ing, it is true, but very attractive in formation. In the tail of the Great Spotted Woodpecker — a bird which is probably more abundant in our Country than is generally supposed — a very curious diversity exists when compared with that of the Cuckoo. The feathers are finished off very sharply, and this is a typical specimen of the tails of a good many of 244 A YEAR WITH NATURE. TRIMMED PIE. (Fig. I3-) WANDERING PIE. (Fig. 14.) GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER. BAR-TAILED HUMMING BIRD. YELLOW (Fig. 1 6.) (Fig. 17.) BUNTING. (Fig. 18.) (Fig. 15. JAY. (Fig. 19.) LONG-LAILED TIT. (Fig. 22.) SEDGE WARBLER. (Fig. 2O.) A STUDY IN BIRDS' TAILS. 245 the Woodpecker family. The four centre tail feathers are black, the rest are more or less white, and spotted near the tip with black; under surface, white. That ever interesting and wonderful species — the Humming Birds — supply us with many curiosities and traits of bird life, and pages might be devoted to them alone. An illustration of the tail of the Bar Tailed Humming-Bird will be sufficient to show one of their divergencies. Compare this bar-tail with that of the Woodpecker, and the reader will at once see a for- cible illustration of the variances of Nature's workings. This variety is at once identified by the shape of its tail, which is forked at the base, and consists of two diverging portions, each containing five feathers, graduating in length one beyond another. Their colour is of the richest flame, or bright orange red, with a dazzling metallic lustre and a broad mark of black at the tip The tail of the Yellow Bunting is not particularly attractive, in fact, rather of an ordinary description, and this is why I am illustrating it, for the reason that when placed side by side with the tail of, say, the Resplendent Trogon, even the most unobservant must confess to the correctness of my opening remarks as to the truly astonishing variance which exists even in birds' tails. The tail of the Yellow Hammer — by which name this bird is more generally known — is slightly forked, dusky, edged with greenish-yellow, the two outer feathers marked with white on the exterior webs. What has been very accurately termed the " Sentinel of the Woods" — the Jay — is a very beautifully plumed bird, and although the tail is not very attractive as regards its colouring, it is of a character which warrants its inclusion here, and as diversity is my watchword, I give an illustration of it. The tail of this crafty, cunning bird is black. It is probably the most beautifully coloured specimen of the Crow tribe. The tail of the little Sedge Warbler next claims our attention. When spread — as my sketch depicts - it gives it the appearance of a rounded shape. The country-side would indeed lose a charm minus this interesting bird. It possesses the imitative faculty in great perfection, and may be heard uttering the notes of many British Song Birds with much precision and exactness. 246 A YEAR WITH NATURE. The Tropic Bird is at once distinguished by its two long slender tail feathers. This is a bird of the air, and its length of wing and comparatively feeble feet proclaim it formed for flight. It is often met with a great distance away from land, is well known to navigators, and is rarely observed on land for any length of time. My last illustration is that of the tail of the Long-Tailed Tit, and, as its name implies, its tail is a distinguishing feature. This Tit is a member of the industrious and useful Titmice family. The tail is very long and wedge-shaped, the lateral feathers are white on the external barbs, and at their ends. It is worth noticing, in conclusion, that this bird constructs probably the most beautiful nest of any of our British Birds; the competition for premier honours lies between it and the Chaffinch. Well might I quote Longfellow's lines in closing: — 'Do you ne'er think what wondrous beings these? Do you ne'er think who made them, and who taught The dialect they speak, where melodies Alone are the interpreters of thought? Whose household words are songs in many keys, Sweeter than instrument of man e'er caught, Whose habitations in the tree tops even, Are half-way houses on the road to heaven.' NOVEMBER. NATURE IN NOVEMBER. THE Frontispiece to this month's sketch admirably portrays the scene in the woods in November. Standing underneath the trees how the wind howls, but it is delightful to be out and about on a November morn if the rambler keeps on the move, and now that the leaves are nearly all off the trees many sights meet the eye that were unseen when the trees and hedgerows wore their Summer dresses. Everything seems desolate and bare, here and there a cluster of Berries relieves the surroundings somewhat, but a closer in- spection into Nature for November reveals sights and sounds that the less acute observer can hardly contemplate. I always think that the brooks and the rivers seem in a greater hurry to babble along in this month than at any other period of the year. True enough they are swollen and the volume of water being carried is well up to high water mark, but as one stands gazing into the rushing stream it seems as if it is in a terrible hurry to reach the ocean and bury itself in its mighty depths. At this season it has no beautiful Water Forget-me-nots to stop and caress, no giant Marsh Marigolds to stop and make love to, no yellow-breasted Wagtails to stop and watch in their many pleasing antics; there are no flower- ing Rushes and Flags to pay tribute to; they are all gone, and there is methinks some excuse for the rushing on. At this season the cattle seem desolate and miserable, but on a fine warm morning they forget themselves and indulge in playful skirmishes and try to think it is Springtime again. Rambling along we come across an old shed, but it is empty, and daylight can be seen through it in several places. It is a dismal looking place to shelter in if a storm suddenly comes along; it is rank, mildewed, and fast going to decay. Let us turn to another side of the picture — this is the Bracken season ; it beautifies every wild place with its graceful form. It grows NATURE IN NOVEMBER. 251 to a tremendous height in some localities, one is enabled to walk right through with towering Bracken well above the head and shoulders. The localities it loves best, and in which it flourishes, are wild and damp, where there is a warm climate and good soil, though it must not be forgotten that it is found also in situations where the soil is of a poor nature. In Ireland it has been known to grow to the height of twelve feet, whilst a fern grown in the south of Hampshire reached the phenome- nal height of fourteen feet! SOWING BROADCAST. How the Rabbits scamper out as one pushes his way through, the crackling stems frightening the wary little animals, and startling various birds which are seeking the shelter afforded. During this month we may perchance light upon the farm labourer sowing broadcast; no sooner are the crops safely harboured than the diligent farmer prepares his land to give unto us a future store. Besides being the Bracken season, November is also the season of Berries. Amongst others I have found during this 252 A YEAR WITH NATURE. month are the Hips and Haws, Sloes, Blackberries, Bullaces, Cloud-berries, Bilberries, Alsgame, Cranberries, Mountain Ash, Butcher's Broom, Holly, Ivy, Privet, the scarlet berries of the Woody Nightshade, Wild Cornel, Bird Cherry, and so on. The Spindle tree, too, attracts our attention more than at any other time because of its beautiful waxen seed vessels. Above us the clouds appear heavy and miserable, rolling on and on with hardly any change. How different to the blue June sky and the glorious July sunset. We pass a man carry- ,*• A PAIR OF BARN OWLS (WINTER PLUMAGE.) ing faggots, and in a friendly chat with us the old fellow gives it as his opinion that we shall have a mild, or, as the case may be, a severe Winter. During this month mention should be made of those animals that store up food for the Winter, and amongst others may be mentioned the Squirrel, Hedgehog, Dormouse, and Long Tailed Field Mouse. A store of food is always at hand and as many as five hundred nuts and acorns have been taken out of a storehouse of one of the animals named. NATURE IN NOVEMBER. 2 S3 During November the screech of an Owl sounds very weird and desolate, and small wonder is it that old country people associate with it a death warning and other curious superstitions. Mr. Stone's photograph of a pair of Barn Owls — a study from still life — is very appropriate just now. This Owl is one of the most beautiful birds breeding in Britain, and the good these birds do is inestimable. High up in the air a flock of Wild Geese may perchance be seen, or, failing them, a few Herons, or Moll Herns as they are commonly called by country people, and the trained Natur- alist looks for that V-shaped flock of Wild Ducks. The trilling Skylark has started singing again; no matter how unpropitious the weather, there he is up aloft singing as if it was a warm Spring morning 1 Nothing is so beautiful at this time of the year as the song of a Thrush. In his song one seems to imagine that the bird cannot stand the coming Winter solitude, and perched on the branch of some naked bough he pours out those joyous notes which Macgillivray defines most beautifully thus — 1 Dear, dear, dear, In the rocky glen, Far away, far away, far away, The haunts of men Here shall we dwell in love, With the lark and dove, Cuckoo and cornrail. Feast on the banded snail, Worm and gilded fly, Drink of the crystal rill, Winding adown the hill, Never to dry. With glee, with glee, with glee, Cheer up, cheer up, cheer up, here Nothing to harm us, then sing merrily, Sing to the loved one whose nest is near. Qui, qui, qui, kweeu, quip, Tiurru, tiurra, chipiwi, Too-tee, too-tee< chinchoo, Chirri, chirri, chooee, Quiu, qui, qui.' 254 A YEAR WITH NATURE. There is indeed a sermon, and although some of the stanzas are somewhat out of place in November the placing of the words is no less poetical and worthy of understanding to the Nature soul. The Bryony is out now, and even in muggy November a Red Admiral Butterfly may still be seen occasionally. It is a grand sight to watch a Sparrow Hawk or a Kestrel in this month for, if either hie away to some distant tree, by the aid of a powerful field-glass their actions and pranks may easily be followed. In the deep holes of the river, where it is somewhat clear, we may spend half-an-hour or so watching the well-marked Perch. He is a game fighter, and gives the angler plenty of sport for his money. On a tangled bush by the wayside, Honeysuckle may still be found in flower, but it seems to have lost much of its sweet aroma. This lovely flower never smells half so sweet and delicious as when its petals are first opened. Fresh green leaves appear all through the Winter and help to keep up the Nature lover's enthusiasm. The Traveller's Joy too still abounds. What a fine background this latter makes for a rosy-red Bull- finch. He never looks better than at this period of the year. It is interesting to watch the Jackdaws and Rooks now; how well they cog in together, the Daws toying in the air, now circling, now falling, now flying straight ahead, up and down, then round and round, and finally stationary. The Starlings too join in with the Daws and Rooks, and it is no uncommon sight to see all three varieties on the same roost trees. The various Mosses must not be overlooked during this month, and the old brown Water Vole calls for special notice. In the South we are often favoured with small flocks of Crossbills and Snow Buntings, though I have seen what might be called large flocks of both birds. The Crossbills resort in Somersetshire to the Cider Mills where the waste is very much to their liking, but the Buntings I have found during the Winter months around farmyards. It is interesting to watch the Pigeons at the cote, flying round, tumbling in the air, then resting and gracefully walking, picking up a stray grain or two. THE PIGEON COTE. 256 A YEAR WITH NATURE. The Dunlins and Curlews are well worth observing at this season, as well as the five or six Gulls. Notice that the Black- headed Gull is no longer black-headed now — he has lost the distinguishing mark and on the wing may be mistaken for one of his relations. The Whimbrel, too, is a most interesting bird and repays a careful study, a remark which also applies to the Comorant and the Shag, the graceful Terns, the Guillemots, and the Puffin. All birds are, however, interesting, but these few varieties specially present themselves to me as I pen these lines. Thus we leave what is generally termed as muggy November for December, the closing month with which we have to deal. A STUDY IN BIRDS' CLAWS, TALONS, AND FEET. IN my last two articles of this nature I endeavoured to shew the interest that is awakened, and the diversity which exists, in Birds' Beaks and Tails, but in the present instance another extremity is chosen which is as equally instructive and interesting — their Claws, Talons, and Feet. One so often hears the remark — even in this enlightened age — 'Was it a web-footed bird that you saw?' and the reply, 'What do you mean by web-footed?' that such an essay as this should be particularly interesting to all those who are unacquainted with the varying constructions of the feet of our feathered pets. When brought together in the manner here set forth a truly astonishing variance is noticeable — so much so that even the author, or the most cultivated Ornithologist, is apt to exclaim, ' Wonderful 1 ' It is not my intention in this little sketch to attempt to classify or systematise the orders to which the various subjects that I propose to write of, belong, but to treat the matter in a simple and interesting manner, so that all who read, and take notice of my sketches, may understand. The bird-lover or student would naturally look in an article of this character for the talons of an Eagle of some sort or another, and thus it is that the first and foremost position is given to one of the two Eagles now left to us in this Country — the Golden Eagle. Small wonder is it that this noble ornament of the English landscape is able to carry away, aided by the powerful talons here portrayed, hares, young lambs, rabbits, grouse, and the like. This bold, high-spirited Eagle has even been known to snatch a pig from some hard working labourer's pig-stye, and bear it off to its voracious fledglings, which are generally two in number. Children are often terrified at the thought of an Eagle probably because of the somewhat ex- 258 A YEAR WITH NATURE. FOOT OF GOLDEN EAGLE. aggerated drawings which adorn their picture-books — but their fears are not altogether groundless, for, like the Peregrine Falcon, the Golden Eagle is a regular Bull-Dog, and does not stop at trifles. Marvellous indeed are their visionary powers, wonderful the age they attain, and the formidable talons which bear the place of honour here are a study in themselves. From the Eagle to the useful little Swift — one of the latest of our Summer Visitors and one of the earliest to depart — is a long journey in the Scientific world, and shews a truly wonderful variance. A glance at my drawing shows that all the four toes are directed forwards, whilst the two middle ones are equal. This is one of our most useful insectivorous birds, the countless myriads of insects which it destroys during its too short sojourn amongst us being simply amazing. The Summer evening — when the last red rays of the setting sun are sinking in the West, with the ' Screecher' as the bird is sometimes called, wheeling round and uttering its well known cry and then in under the eaves of the Village School — would lose much of its charm without these birds. A peculiarity in regard to it is that owing to the shortness of the tarsi, the bird finds it difficult to get up when once it has alighted on the ground. Very correctly named is the Black- Winged StiH, for its long thin legs certainly do not misrepresent the stilts we were prone to amuse ourselves with in school days. FOOT OF SWIFT. LEGS AND FEET OF BLACK-WINGED STILT. A STUDY IN BIRDS' CLAWS, TALONS, AND FEET. 259 All the members of the family to which this bird belongs— to quote the Scientist, the Genus Himantopus — are remarkable for the extreme length and slenderness of the legs. Although the bird frequents morasses and the low flat shores of lakes, rivers, and seas, it is not web-footed, but is a wading bird, and its long legs enable it, like the Flamingo, to wade in search of its food without much chance of its being carried out of its depth, but even if this happens, it can swim with great ease and lightness. Gould says that ' when on firm ground, it appears as if tottering on long and awkward stilts, but firm ground is not its congenial habitat.' The foot of the Brazilian Caracara is built somewhat on the same lines as that of the Golden Eagle, but is more open, and does not possess that ' clench- ing' which is so apparent in that of the last named variety. The legs are yellow, and the claws black, a perfect and typical example of the foot of a bird of this order. Darwin says in his * Voyages of the Adventure and Beagle' that he was surprised at the number, i j. ,• 11-i. FOOT OF BRAZILIAN CARACARA. tameness and disgusting habits of these birds when he visited the extra tropical parts of South America. He calls them Carrion Hawks — a not inappropriate name by. any means — and adds that * they are pre-eminently striking to anyone accustomed only to the birds of Northern Europe.' It is said that the Carrancha, another name for the bird, is inactive, tame, and cowardly, its flight heavy and slow like our British Rook and that it is of very versatile habits and considerable ingenuity. That ever interesting family the Woodpeckers, afford the Natural History Author many opportunities of illustrating the wonders of bird life. The minutest detail in the structure of the Woodpecker admirably fits it for traversing the trunks and branches of trees. The foot is exceedingly strong, the toes are robust and armed with sharp curved claws. I might 260 A YEAR WITH NATURE. FOOT OF WOODPECKER. enlarge considerably on the wonderful construction of the foot of this interesting and useful bird, but It must suffice to say that the toes can be spread over an extensive area so that the grasp on the tree is more effectual and secure, this being an important factor to the bird whilst ascending the trunk or limbs of trees, and yet more so, while, exerting all its force, it is hammering at the bark or scooping out a hole for its nest. Nature has many wondrous workings 1 One of the prettiest sights to be seen on the golden pebbly shore near the sea, is to watch the Terns in their ever graceful movements. Country folk call these birds Sea-Swallows, others know them as Gulls! I presume the former name is given to them because of their rapid flight, the latter because all sea birds are Gulls to some people. The foot is webbed — the first web-footed bird yet noticed here — the three anterior toes being moderately webbed, but the hind toe is free. We have in the British Isles five members of this interesting family which regularly breed with us. These are the Common, Arctic, Les- ser, Sandwich, and last, but not least, the beautiful little Rose- ate Tern. This latter, however, is becoming rare, a fact which should cause widespread regret. Whether feminine vanity is responsible in a measure for this or not I should not care to say, but I have of late seen several hats containing one of these precious little jewels in the form of a wretched caricature of bird life. The foot of the Grebe — better known as the Dab or Dob-Chick, and in Yorkshire by the name of Tom Puddings — could not possibly be excluded from a sketch of this character. The foot is of a tri-oared description, and the situation of the legs is thrown as far backwards as possible. It is a water bird, a regular lover of the art of natation. Land is not its home ; upon it, it is ungainly, and sometimes shuffles along after th$ manner of a Seal. When diving in pursuit of its prey, it uses FOOT OF TERN. A STUDY IN BIRDS' CLAWS, TALONS, AND FEET. 261 FOOT OF GREBE. its wings to add to its velocity. The Great Crested and the Little Grebe are the only two of this order which now breed amongst us. In my essay on Birds' Beaks I pointed out that I could not fail to include the Macaw, and the same remark applies in the present instance. Placed by the side of the bird last dealt with, a very striking diversity will be noticed. It is of course a typical specimen of the foot of the Parrot tribe, and in the language of Scientists it is * completely zygodactyle and prehensile.' Who has not been interested in ' Polly ' as she takes a lump of sugar in one foot and nibbles away at it, using one foot as a hand and the other to stand upon ? The feet also aid this bird very materially in climbing. Compare the foot of the Macaw with that of the Grebe or the Tern and the difference will be at once appreciated. The foot of the beautiful Golden Plover — a British Bird — affords an opportunity of showing a bird possessing toes all directed forwards, and the interesting nature in this respect will be the more apparent when compared with that of another member of this group, namely, the Lapwing, for here it will be observed that the hind toe is much more developed than in the bird last commented upon. This is one of the farmer's friends — although a great many of them do not, or will not, know it. It destroys a great number of worms, insects, larvcne, etc., and yet landowners are foolish enough to encourage the collecting of its eggs, and the shooting of rthe bird, for market 1 He gains one way and loses the other — the balance is probably on the adverse side. In the case of the Rhinoceros Hornbill we have a foot with FOOT OF MACAW. 262 A YEAR WITH NATURE. FOOT OF GOLDEN PLOVER. the hind toe fully developed, the last three feet I have illus- trated affording the non-observant of Nature's workings much wonderment. The structure of the toes and shortness of the tarsi indicates that these birds are of arboreal habits. * Why should these extraordinary variances exist?' I can hear someone say : * Why should such diversity be, such amazing variance?' I must refer all such to safer and wiser hands than the Author's for it is a matter that has engaged the close and careful attention of some of the greatest master minds the Scientific world has ever produced. The Merganser is another Aquatic bird — the Red Breasted variety is the only one which breeds in our Country. These birds dive and swim with astonishing ease and rapidity, and owing to the remarkable flatness of the body, whilst swimming, they appear as if deeply sunk in the water. Like the Grebes, on land their actions are of an embarrassed order, but the flight is vigorous and strong. It is said that the flesh is rank and disgusting. If, then, it is not as an article of food that the one variety we have with us at the present time has diminished, why is it? Is it all to be attributed to the draining of the fens? The curious looking foot of the Eury- laimus is well worth hanging in this Bird Gallery. The Javanese Eurylaimus is a native of Java — as the first part of its name implies— and Sumatra. It resorts to huge forests where rivers and marshes abound, and its food consists of insects and worms. It is not recorded, FOOT OF RHINOCEROS so far as J c^n ascertain, that its HORNBILL. foot aids it in any way particularly, FOOT OF LAPWING. A STUDY IN BIRDS' CLAWS, TALONS, AND FEET. 263 FOOT OF MERGANSER. though the structure of it suggests that it is found extremely useful in digging for 'The worms that crawl on the lowly earth'. The Tree Pipit — one of the charming Summer visitors to our shores which gladdens us with its trilling lays — is a near relative of Shelley's favourite Lark, and it possesses a foot which is a fair illustration of the feet of the birds belonging to this order. It is a delightful songster, far out-shining its congener the Meadow Pipit, and is one of our most pleasing harbingers of Summer. Whether or not the curiously shaped foot of the Nightjar accounts for the bird's strange habit of sitting on the branch of a tree lengthwise I cannot say with certainty, but it is a fact worth noticing. I have illustrated the complete foot and also the pectinated claw, which is but one of the many peculiarities belonging to this most useful member of the feathered race. It is persecuted because of the ridiculous name by which it is called in some localities— Night Hawk — but there is not a more beneficial bird which favours us with its welcome presence during the English Summer. One thing in the bird's favour is that it does not come out much until the blinking, snoozing Owls are just waking up, and the daytime of the Bat is just commencing. That fine and noble bird, the Ostrich, owns a foot which will be extremely interesting and instructive. Two toes only does it possess, but they are stout and strong; of these the innermost is much larger than the outer, and is furnished with a hoof-like FOOT OF EURYLAIMUS. FOOT OF TREE PIPIT. 264 A YEAR WITH NATURE. FOOT OF NIGHTJAR AND PECTINATED CLAW ON MIDDLE TOE. claw, the outer toe being clawless. The carrying powers of the Ostrich are well known, also the commercial use of its feathers, but it may not generally be known that it can kick as hard as a mule, and that its kick is always in a forward direction. From the foot of the Ostrich to that of the Toucan is a far cry, and the two examined closely present a divergence which every true admirer of Nature must enjoy. These birds are noticeable perhaps because of their extraordinary beaks, and the smallness of the foot in comparison certainly causes wonderment and surprise. The foot of the Rhea Bird is well worth inclusion in view of the fact that it possesses one more toe than the Ostrich, although a bird of somewhat similar structure. The middle toe is much the largest, and all three are armed with stout claws. The plumes of this bird are imported into England in a similar manner to those of the Ostrich, and may often be seen fixed in a handle, so as to form light and delicate dusting brushes. The bird is about five feet high ; it is shy, wary and fleet, and it prefers to run against the wind. The King Penguin's foot is remarkable, and a close study of it will repay the reader. A sharp claw exists in the place of a hind toe. Travellers tell me that they have waded through thousands of these birds — in the Falkland Islands if my memory serves me correctly — and have seen them knocked down wholesale. The FOOT OF TOUCAN. grotesqueness of the birds is amusing FOOT OF OSTRICH. A STUDY IN BIRDS' CLAWS, TALONS, AND FEET. 265 and comical, so they say, but for all that it is a noble looking bird, and a formidable one. The Hon. Walter Rothschild showed me some marvel- lous specimens of both the bird whose foot I have illustrated, and the Emperor, which he has located in his wonderful collection at Tring Park. One member of this family, is called the Jackass Penguin, a name that will be appreciated when my rr e J FOOT OF RHEA. remarks as to the strange attitudes the bird throws off are understood. The mimicing, chattering Starling is worthy of a place in the concluding stages of this article, if, for no other reason, because of its usefulness to man, though its foot is of so simple a character that, placed side by side with some of the nobler examples I have dealt with, variance is noticeable of a very interesting description. But just a word on its behalf as a boon to the Agriculturist and the Horti- culturist. A single pair of these birds will get rid of more than 12,000 grubs in 4 months, and most destructive grubs too! He tries hard to sing, indeed possesses the art of mimicry in a marked degree. One I had in my possession imitated the Cuckoo, Woodpecker and Duck to perfec- tion but, alas, poor ' Nigger ' has now gone over to the great majority. The last bird on my list is the Osprey, or Fishing Hawk. A truly wonderful foot does it possess, which it uses to great advantage in its fishing exploits. A few pairs still breed in the British Isles, but the bird is becoming very scarce, another reason for wonderment, unless it is to be attributed to the eagerness of Collectors who hunt FOOT OF KING PENGUIN. FOOT OF STARLING. 266 A YEAR WITH NATURE. it to the death? It is said to proceed deep enough into the sea as to disappear for an instant, when it plunges in pursuit FOOT OF OSPREY. of fish. The claws are large, much curved, equal, and rounded underneath ; under surface of toes very rough with sharp pointed scales. DECEMBER. A WINTER SCENE. NATURE IN DECEMBER. WHEN we in the South of England do have snow, one of the most interesting sights I always think is to watch a cock Phea- sant proudly strutting in the beautiful crisp substance, and then, having walked up to the spot, observing his well defined foot marks ; or to watch a dozen or more Rabbits frolicking about, and seeming to delight in the Wintry surroundings. Did ever the sooty Blackbird or the red breasted Robin— and we must not forget the speckled Thrush — look better or show off their plumage to more perfection than when seen on a ground of snow? Winter in the South of England, however, is nowadays of such a mild character that one cannot with any degree of certainty devote too much space to a hard Winter in such a sketch as December. On Christmas Day 1898, for instance, I knew of a nest of young Thrushes in Kent, and many like records were sent to the Press, and were in most cases well authenticated. No matter whether hard or mild, in December the Nature lover realizes that all is silently preparing for the Spring. Brush aside with your stick the snow along a hedgerow for a square yard- and : you will be able to discern the fresh green buds, only waiting for the sun to melt the snow, then a few weeks of nice warm weather, and the Spring is not far distant. December is an excellent month to study the various Lichens which abound in England; seen through a magnifying glass, and no less so with the naked eye, their silver and golden colours, lilacs, whites and greys, are indeed beautiful to look upon. Supposing the snow is on the ground there are three birds still singing in the Robin, Wren and Skylark. All three birds appear to be cheered by the transient gleam, and why should they not be, for is not this the season of good cheer? Individuals at this season let bygones be bygones, forget all old troubles and short-comings and wish one another the 2/0 A YEAR WITH NATURE. compliments of the season. The rugged and rough old farm hand who may be ditching or hedging stops as we pass him to raise his hand to his forehead and wish us a Merry Christmas and Bright New Year. When one rambles along the country side these little episodes "are very pleasing and well timed, they give an outsider an excellent insight into the manners and customs of our land, and these little chats by the wayside are looked for and encouraged by the keen observer, who is never happy unless he is out and about. Early in April it is my invariable custom to seek for some tiller of the soil to ask for the latest information as to the Cuckoo or some other Summer visitor ; in December I ask the more seasonable question as to whether the Fieldfares or the Redwings are very plentiful this Winter; whether that flock of Snow Buntings that visited the district last year have again made their appearance; whether those flocks of Geese have been seen or heard lately, and so on. And, moreover, these old country rustics are very intelligent fellows on matters Ornithological, they remember such and such a rare bird visiting the district during the terrible Winter of so many years ago; they remember that it was in such a year the locality was visited by a large flock of Crossbills, one or two Little Auks and other sea birds — although we may be far inland. A sharp, brisk walk in December — with the hard frozen ground as clean as a well scrubbed kitchen table - is delightful. The birds are very tame, and one is enabled to get a much closer inspection of all living creatures, if we except the wary Fox, but even he in hard weather suffers the observer to get to rather close quarters. Towards the middle of the month we pass along the country road, and meet people carrying huge bundles of Holly, Ivy, Laurels and other Evergreens for decorative purposes. We visit the Parish Church, or the Village Schoolroom, and observe that Christmas decorations are well in hand. The Squire's wife is there and the Vicar's daughter, the Schoolmistress, and Miss So and So from the Manse. How busy they are and how deft is their handiwork 1 If the Winter is severe we notice that the birds keep pretty close together for warmth, but cold 2/2 A YEAR WITH NATURE. we believe does not kill birds so much as hunger. Even if the lake be frozen the various Water Fowl do not appear to feel the cold; they lazily squat on the ice, then waddle off into the water where the ice is kept clear for them. The common Shield Fern is beautiful in December, the run of the Hare is easily discernible, and we may come across a Hedgehog rolled up in a ditch like a ball of leaves. The Hart's Tongue Fern too is out nicely now, and a few Blackberries are A FLIGHT OF WlLD DUCKS. still to be ^seen, but the various berries are disappearing rapidly. The Winter visitors from Norway make sad havoc amongst the Mountain Ash berries. The Mole has to go deeper in the ground now, and the Owls get as far as they can into the hollow trees. Watching the sprightly Wagtails by the side of some stream is very interesting just now, and the same remark applies to the various Buntings in the farmyard. They are very partial to a grain diet during the Winter. NATURE IN DECEMBER. 273 The Nuthatches and Tree Creepers join company with them very often, and do not resent being partnered by the Titmice. An old Carrion Crow is seen dibbing about in the field skirting the wood. Just watch his antics through your field- glass, see how strong and to what good purpose he uses that massive bill of his, and how untiring are his efforts to get a fill out of the hard ground. How the grey old church tower stands out in the distance with the climbing ivy all around it. The birds shelter here during the cold nights, and have to pay the penalty when the clap nets come along, a remark which also applies to the stacks in the farmyard. Provided that the weather is open, the December Moth comes out from a smooth brown chrysalis. One may watch the Leeches and other insects in some clear stream too if the weather is congenial, and a fine old Pike lying just above the river bed of fallen Autumn leaves does not escape the searching eye of the Naturalist. Passing by an orchard one may see the Mistletoe. Birds are responsible for the propagation of this parasitic shrub in many districts for they eat the berries, and these passing uninjured through the alimentary canal results in the Mistletoe springing up in very unlooked-for localities. In the kitchen garden a nice patch of green stuff catches the eye, and we may observe the Death Watch Beetle, and in the flower garden the Christmas Rose. -How lovely a white frost, how changeable is Nature ! One day it is muggy and desolate, the next, one wakes to find the country around clothed in a spotless garb of glistening white. What exquisite festoons and what delicate net-work 1 A Chaffinch alights on the bough above us and scatters soft flakes through the cold, crisp air. Across the air comes the drumming of the Snipe, whilst the Devil's Coach Horse Beetle may perhaps be lighted upon as we are turning out some pots in the garden. One cannot help noticing even in severe weather that very few birds are found dead by the wayside. This raises the question as to how do wild birds die? Many no doubt when taken ill resort to the woods and thickets and pass their last moments on earth in solitude, then drop to the ground to be eaten by some Crow or other carrion eater. 18 NATURE IN DECEMBER. 2/5 How the ricks stand out in the landscape when they are covered with snow, appearing like huge snow stacks in the distance. Having passed the shortest day and the longest night, the Nature lover begins to look forward to the budding Spring again. One of the finest evergreens just now is the Sweet Bay tree, and as we stand gazing at a fine old tree which has snapped off and left the trunk a mere wreck, we remark to our compan- ion that the Goat Moth is responsible for the fall of it. The haunt of the Badger is admirably illustrated in the two photographs Mr. Newman has taken, and further comment is needless. How we can watch the Green Woodpecker now 1 When the foliage was on the trees we soon lost him as he darted through the woodland glade, but now we can observe him for some considerable distance. With a field- glass we may see his beautiful red head and various green plumes. What a fine fellow he is. His two relations the Great and Lesser Spotted varieties must not be overlooked, for both of them are well worth a careful study. The glittering silver shells of Fresh Water Mussels by the side of some inland lake attract our attention, and all too soon darkness sets in, an4 we are pleased to have a chat round the cosy parlour fire. Thus our year with Nature comes to an end. It has been a difficult matter to dp justice to the Natural History of the Months, for it is a wide field and there must be some limit. We have not rambled so much by the sea-shore to watch and describe the sea birds in their myriads our rambles have mostly been in the Southern and Midland Counties, and we have described, feeble though the descriptions may be, actual sights and sounds which we ourselves have seen and heard and participated in. We have not sat in our study and pictured things in the mind, these sketches have been written mostly on the spot, so that we do not think we have gone far wrong. What short-comings and omissions there may be are to a certain extent pardonable, we have catered for the ordinary public and not for Scientists ; we have been mindful rather 2/6 A YEAR WITH NATURE. of the popular reader, and it is to him we look for any appre- ciation which is our due. Where the pen has failed to convey an impression we hope the camera will convince and enlighten. Even at this season we dwell in happy memory on the past, when 'The Cuckoo told his name to all the hills; The mellow Ouzel fluted in the elm; The Redcap whistled; and the Nightingale Sang loud, as tho' he were the bird of day.' JUST PUBLISHED. v A Handbook of British Breeding Birds. By W. PERCIVAL WESTELL, M.B.O.U. Containing a complete description of all Birds known to Breed in the British Isles. When and where their nests are built; what they are composed of; the number and colour of their eggs ; their food ; nature of their vocal powers; and some local and old-fashioned names. Profusely Illustrated. 188 Pages. Cloth 6d, Leather is; by Post, i£d extra. PRESS NOTICES. "This popular little book."— Morning Post. 'An unpretentious, but interesting little work." — Westminster Gazette. 'Will be very welcome to all lovers of British Birds." — People. 'Gives a large amount of useful information." — Land and Water. 'Practical little manual."— Manchester City News. 'An excellent little work." — Bath Daily Chronicle. *'This little work will prove invaluable." — Farn, Field, and Fireside. 'A wonderfully comprehensive little manual."— Morning Leader. May be obtained of any Bookseller, or will be sent direct from the Publisher on receipt of stamps. HENRY J. DRANE, SALISBURY HOUSE, SALISBURY SQUARE, LONDON E.G. J. T. NEWMAN, Pictorial Photographer, THE ART STUDIO, GT. B T Here are a few PRESS NOTICES from the Art Journals. HIS Photograph might almost deserve to rank as a picture, selected, chosen, and differentiated by an artist in black and white: it is the work of Mr. J. T. NEWMAN." "The charming Photographic Study given on this page is by J. T. NEWMAN, Berkhamsted; it is a particularly beautiful scene, stolen as it were from nature in a moment of beauty." " I have reproduced these illustrations for the excellence of the Photographs, which are a great credit to Mr. J. T. NEWMAN." "This very clever photograph is by Mr. J. T. NEWMAN, whose photographs of Animals and birds are so well known and appreciated." The Art Studio is open every week-day, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. PHOTOGR A PH S FOR PUBLICATION A SPECIALITY. T. NEWMAN'S Photographs have been Published in:— "The Live Stock Journal." "Agricultural Gazette/' "The Illustrated London News." "The Sketch." "The Graphic." "Black and White." " Agricultural Economist." "The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News.' "Country Life Illustrated." "The Queen." "The Ladies' Field." "St. Paul's." "English Illustrated Magazine." "Pearson's Magazine." "Review of Reviews." " Scribner's Magazine." "The Navy and Army Illustrated." Etc., etc., etc. A VOLUME OF PHOTOGRAPHS OF The Life-History Groups of Birds IN THE GROSVENOR MUSEUM, CHESTER. THESE beautiful Groups are acknowledged by experts to be some of the most skilful examples of artistic and scientific taxidermy and natural arrangement ever pro- duced, and I have pleasure in announcing that I have issued a series of Photo- graphs of them, taken with every care to make the Pictures as nearly perfect as possible, and printed in the permanent Platinotype process. It is hoped that they will appeal to three classes: — Curators and Museum Authorities; All lovers of Birds and Nature; Artists. Each plate is accompanied by brief explanatory text, for which I am indebted to Mr R. Nevvstead, the Curator of the Grosvenor Museum, every one of the groups being his work. The following is a list of the Plates: — "The Roseate Tern" (Sterna. Dougalli) Montagu (Males, Female, Nest, and Eggs.) "The Arctic Tern" (Sterna macriird) Naumann (Males, Female, Nests, Eggs, and Young.) "The Ring-Ouzel" (Turdus torquatus) Linnaeus (Male, Female, Nest, and Eggs.) "The Stonechat" (Pratincola rubicola] Linnaeus (Male, Female, Nest, and Eggs.) "The Redbreast" (Erithacus rubecula) Linnaeus (Male, Female, Nest, and Eggs.) "Golden-Crested Wren" (Regulus cristatus) K. L. Koch (Male, Female, Nest, and Eggs.) "Long Tailed Titmouse" (Acredula caudata) Linnaeus (Male, Female, Nest, and Eggs.) "The Great Titmouse" (Parus major) Linnaeus (Male, Female, Nest, and Eggs.) "The Tree-Creeper" (Certhia familiaris) Linnaeus (Male, Female, Nest, and Eggs.) "The Swallow" (Hirundo rusticd) Linnaeus (Male, Female, Nest, and Eggs.) "The House-Martin" (Chelidon urdica) Linnaeus (Male, Female, Nest, and Eggs.) "The Chaffinch" (Fringilla c&lebs) Linnaeus (Male, Female, Nest, and Eggs.) "The Hawfinch" (Coccothraustes vulgaris) Pallas (Male, Female, Nest, Eggs, and Young.) "The Magpie" (Pica rustled] Scopoli (Male, Female, Nest, and Eggs.) "The Skylark" (Alauda arvensis) Linnaeus (Male, Female, Nest, and Eggs.) "The Swift" (Cypselus apus) Linnaeus (Male, Female, Nest, Eggs, and Young.) "The Long-eared Owl (Asia otus) Linnaeus (Young in Down.) "The Common Buzzard" (Buteo vulgaris] Leach "The Kestrel" (Falco tinnunculus) Linnaeus (Male, Female, Nest, and Young.) "The Kestrel" (F. tinnunculus) (A Nest of three young ones in the Down, care- fully modelled from Life.) "Sparrow Hawk" (Accipiter nisus] Linnaeus (Male, Female, Nest, and Eggs.) " The Heron " (Ardea cinerea) Linnaeus (Male, Female, Nest, Young, and Broken Egg.) "The Sheld or Burrow-Duck" (Tadorna cornuta) S. G. Gmelin (Male, Female, Nest, and Eggs.) "The Corn-crake or Land Rail" (Crex pratensis) Bechstein (Male, Female, Nest, Broken Egg, and Young.) "Lapwing or Peewit" (Vanellus vulgaris) Bechstein (Male, Female, Nest, Eggs, and Young.) "The Little Tern" (Sterna minuta) Linnaeus (Male, Female, Nest, Eggs, and Young.) All the Photographs are mounted on fine cardboard with real India-Paper centres, each leaf being " guarded," and the whole made up into a handsome volume bound by Zaehns- dorf. The Edition is very limited and the Price Six Guineas. A few carefully selected copies can be had in a superior binding for Presentations, &c. — half-bound in best morocco Nine Guineas, or whole bound Twelve Guineas. G. WATMOUGH WEBSTER. F.C S., F.R.P.S. THE STUDIO, 33, BRIDGE STREET Row, CHESTER. BOOKS FOR LOVERS OF BIRDS. Natural History of Cage Birds. Their Management, Habits, Food, Diseases, Treatment, Breeding and the Methods of Catching them. By J. M. BECHSTEIN, M.D. Illustrated with jo engravings. Elegantly bound in cloth. Price 2s. O<1. Ask for Drane's Edition. This beautifully illustrated edition of Dr. Bechtstein's well-known work will- be welcomed by every lover of natural history, and is remarkable for the fidelity and beauty of the engravings, no less than for its general elegant appearance. A copious alphabetical index is appended to the volume, which will enable the reader instantly to find the birds whose history and management are required. Poultry A Practical Guide to the Choice, Breeding, Rearing, and Management of all descriptions of Fowls, Turkeys, Guinea Fowls, Ducks, and Geese, for Profit and Exhibition ; with accurate and beautifully coloured plates, illustrating all the different varieties. By HUGH PIPER. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant. Price 2s. Ocl. Also a Cheaper Edition of the above, Price is., viz., Poultry and Pigeons. Their Varieties, Management, Breeding, and Diseases. By HUGH PIPER. A New and Thoroughly Revised Edition. By JAMES S. GOULD, Author of "My Canary Book'"' "My Canary Book." The latest Book published on the subject. Containing directions for Choosing, Feeding, Managing, Breeding, and the Treatment of Diseases, with a Coloured Plate illustrating all the Varieties. By JAMES S. GOULD. 1 "Is written for those who keep a Canary, and to those we have pleasure in recommending it, and can assure them they will find numerous useful hints in it."— Poultry. Price One Shilling. Of all Booksellers, or, post free, for 14. Stamps from the Publisher. HENRY J. DRANE, SALISBURY HOUSE, SALISBURY SQUARE, LONDON, E.C. THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE STAMPED BELOW AN INITIAL FINE OF 25 CENTS WILL BE ASSESSED FOR FAILURE TO RETURN THIS BOOK ON THE DATE DUE. THE PENALTY WILL INCREASE TO SO CENTS ON THE FOURTH DAY AND TO $1.OO ON THE SEVENTH DAY OVERDUE. BIOLOGY LIBRARY ,. in «rf 4M 14*4 * LD 21-1 Om-7.'39 (402s) M85619 810UMF3T LIBRARY THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY