30 TRAVELS OF A NATURALIST 



hen bird on to the nest, which contained five eggs, which 

 proved to be very hard set, one breaking in being blown. 

 This nest, the first we had seen with eggs, was situated 

 about 6 feet from the ground in a young Pinus sylvestris. 

 In appearance it was very similar to a Chaffinch's, built 

 with lichen, moss, bits of paper, etc., and lined with hair, 

 feathers, etc., and the eggs were darker green than most 

 Chaffinches'. After watching the hen to her nest, I went 

 up. She almost allowed me to touch her as she sat. I 

 fired at her, as we want ? specimens, but missed her. 

 The lake in front of the inn has now fully 4 feet 

 more water in it, and the hills have now quite a different 

 appearance from what they had when we came. 



May 27. 



Saturday, the '27th of May, was likewise a very hot day. 

 We started about 7 a.m. and drove in our carioles to 

 Tvinde — one Norsk mile distant. The Foss was very 

 fine, as a large body of snow water was coming down. 

 At the bridge we sent the carioles back and separated, 

 Alston to walk back along the west, and I along the east 

 side of the lakes. 



I carried an indiarubber cloth bag holding the chisel, 

 paper for birds, flask, etc., my telescope, collecting-box 

 with belt round waist, gun slung on back, and stick-gun 

 in hand — a somewhat heavy equipment for hard working 

 and such hot weather. Alston was somewhat similarly 

 equipped. 



Alston, on reaching the head of the highest lake, saw 

 a pair of Mergansers, and a pair of Goldeneyes, which 

 latter seemed to have a nest on an island at the mouth of 

 the river. While he was watching them a stranger drake 

 made his appearance, and a grand fight ensued, which 

 ended in the intruder being driven off after a great deal 

 of splashing and excitement. He noted that the male, in 



