MOOR-HENS IN HYDE PARK 203 



attraction. Let any one, possessing a garden in 

 the suburbs of London, minutely examine the 

 fohage at a point furthest removed from the 

 house, and he will find the plants clean from in- 

 sects; and as he moves back he will find them 

 increasingly abundant until he reaches the door. 

 Insect life is gathered thickly about us, for that 

 birdless space which we have made is ever its 

 refuge and safe camping ground. And the birds 

 know. One came before we were up, when cat 

 and dog were also sleeping, and a report is cur- 

 rent among them. Like ants when a forager who 

 has found a honey pot returns to the nest, they 

 are all eager to go and see and taste for them- 

 selves. Their country is poor, for they have 

 gathered its spoils, and now this virgin territory 

 sorely tempts them. To those who know a bird's 

 spirit it is plain that a mere suspension of hostile 

 action on our part would have the effect of alter- 

 ing their shy habits, and bringing them in crowds 

 about us. Not only in the orchard and grove 

 and garden walks would they be with us, but even 

 in our house. The robin, the little bird "with 

 the red stomacher," would be there for the cus- 

 tomary crumbs at meal-time, and many dainty 



