30 Some Account of Walton Hall, 



hope, to return, this tower, by many ingenious devices and 

 contrivances, has been made a commodious and undisturbed 

 habitation for many a family of the feathered race. In a snug 

 corner, thickly grown over with ivy, can be seen in any day 

 of the year, a pair of common white owls taking their nap ; 

 and, at night, the ears of the admirer of such music may 

 enjoy their nocturnal serenades. 



From yonder ivy-mantled tower, 



The moping owl does to the moon complain 

 Of such as, wandering near her secret bower, 

 Molest her ancient solitary reign." 



During the breeding season, every movement of this 

 industrious couple may be overlooked from the windows 

 of the hall, as they flit to and fro to cater for their hungry 

 young family. Though the owl finds in this tower an un- 

 molested haunt, the pretty starling, the blackbird, the thrush, 

 the wild duck, the wood pigeon, tC sweet sequestered bird," 

 and several others, reposing a confidence in the humane 

 owner which is never abused, resort to this delightful retreat, 

 either to enjoy the shelter or to bring up their young. 



Leaving the venerable tower and its inhabitants to enjoy 

 that quiet which nothing disturbs, let us enter the hospitable 

 mansion. Its doors are ever open to the poorest visiter who 

 craves a view of its rare and curious collection of objects of 

 natural history ; and nothing is allowed to be offered to any 

 domestic who attends : in this Mr. Waterton sets a noble 

 example to others, who suffer their servants to receive money. 



Among the most choice of the rarities of this collection 

 none are more interesting than the birds. 



" Their plumage, neither dashing shower, 

 Nor blasts that shake the dripping bower, 

 Shall drench again or decompose; 

 But, screen'd from every storm that blows, 

 It boasts a splendour ever new, 

 Safe with " 



the amiable wanderer, who, often at the hazard of his life, and 

 suffering dangers by land and water, while exploring the 

 wilds of South America, got them together. 



It would be idle to attempt a description of these treasures. 

 That delightful book, the Wanderings, which, like White's 

 Natural History of Selborne, is in almost every hand, has 

 already rendered the reader familiar with them all; and it 

 has also acquainted us with many a hairbreadth escape of its 

 author, that one ignorant of the daring resolute character of 

 Mr. Waterton almost hesitates to believe : but those who 

 have known him from his early youth to manhood can bear 



