II 



birds'-nesting in Spain — continued 



We had already seen some of the effects of the 

 disastrous drought, and had heard dismal tales of 

 the condition of the marismas ; but when we arrived 

 there we found that the reality exceeded our worst 

 expectations. 



I could hardly believe my eyes, or realize that 

 it was the same district I had visited in 1897. ^ n 

 ordinary years this region is covered with shallow 

 water during the winter and spring months, which 

 gradually dries up under the burning heat of the 

 summer sun. As far as the eye can see, shut in 

 between desolate sand-dunes, the home of many 

 rabbits, and extensive pine-woods, inhabited only 

 by Eagles, Ravens and Kites, and tangled, thorny 

 thickets, which shelter the Red Deer, the Lynx, and 

 the Wild Boar, are leagues and leagues of water 

 stretching to the horizon. In the shallows stand thou- 

 sands of Flamingoes in long lines, just like regiments 

 of soldiers. Circling flocks of Gulls and Terns are 



screaming overhead, while on the moist, muddy 



41 



