96 ORNITHOLOGICAL RAMBLES. 



longed snoring of the young when I ascend the 

 old oak stairs to the neighbourhood of their nur- 

 sery, and in hearing the shriek of the parent birds 

 on the calm summer nights as they pass to and fro 

 near my window; for it assures me that they are 

 still safe ; and as I know that at least a qualified 

 protection is afforded them elsewhere, and that, 

 even their arch-enemy the gamekeeper is be- 

 ginning reluctantly, but gradually, to acquiesce 

 in the general belief of their innocence and utility, 

 I cannot help indulging the hope that this bird 

 will eventually meet with that general encourage- 

 ment and protection to which its eminent services 

 so richly entitle it. 



