214 



STORIES ABOUT BIRDS. 



of Holland, where there are millions of lapwings, this sight is seen to perfection. 

 Thousands of birds on all sides gleam in the setting sun, and look like a 

 dense mass, almost hiding its light. 



The eggs of the lapwing are thought to be a delicacy, and are seen in 

 the London shops in great numbers in the spring. 





THE SI'UR-WINGED LArWiNG. 



Collecting the eggs is a trade carried on by many persons during the 

 season. The low flat counties near the metropolis are well searched. Great 

 expertness is shown by those who are accustomed to the business. The 

 mother lapwing, as we have seen, does all she can to mislead them. But they 

 quite understand her manoeuvres, and go just in the direction she is trying to 

 prevent. Her partner wheels round the heads of the intruders, and makes a 

 clamorous noise, as if to frighten them away. 



