VIRGINIA BIRD HOMES 117 



could be seen at their best. The salt marshes teemed with 

 Clapper Rails, or Marsh Hens ; Ospreys and Eagles built 

 their huge nests in the strips of woods ; Great Blue Herons, 

 long of neck and limb, plied their fishing-trade and nested 

 in colonies somewhere in the vicinity. The fact, too, that the 

 region was one of sea islands added to its interest, for there 

 is a sort of romantic fascination about an island. Bird- 

 students from time to time had visited it, and their accounts 

 were always glowing. 



To be definite, this favored locality comprises the islands 

 which lie ofl the northern peninsula of Virginia. Of these, 

 Cobb's Island has been the most celebrated, but there are 

 several others that are of equal interest. These islands are 

 from two to four miles from the mainland, long narrow strips, 

 parallel with the shore, and almost joined together, extending 

 for many miles. The backbone of each island is a ridge of 

 sandy loam, usually covered with woods of tall pine. On the 

 ocean side are fine, broad sand-beaches, while in the rear is 

 a vast salt marsh, cut up by creeks innumerable. The whole 

 region is a veritable Rehoboth, where the traveller will find 

 no lack of room. 



When the time came that my zeal would brook no further 

 delay in seeing these things for myself, I was unable to find 

 another of like mind and with the necessary time at his 

 disposal. Yet, desirable and agreeable as is a congenial com- 

 panion on such a trip, its pleasure is not spoiled by one's 

 being alone. Anticipation keeps one in a pleasant day-dream, 

 and realization is sufficiently absorbing to make one forget 

 all else. 



On this occasion there was no time for lonely reflection. 

 One evening late in June, bestowing myself in a sleeper berth, 

 ere the late train left Jersey City, I dreamed delightfully of 

 the birds, and awoke early in the morning not long before 



