233 



angler's companion in these districts, was there, and 

 often passed me as I moved up stream. It was still early 

 when I reached the limit of fishable water, and as I was 

 then about 2,000 feet up and only about a mile or so from 

 the top, I packed my rod and flies and cheerfully set 

 off to the same summit as I had been on the previous 

 day. Again I saw the Waders in rapid flight, but this 

 time they flew close by me, and as they were yellowish 

 grey above I do not doubt that tliey were Golden 

 Plover which had either bred, or been bred, on the 

 high pastures at the foot of the mountains. Coming 

 down I saw the Ravens I had missed the previous day, 

 and was lucky enough to see seven in sight at once. 

 An ornithologist feels thankful that a bird so much 

 persecuted is still to be seen in England ; in Cumber- 

 land, I am glad to say, this bird, along with all the 

 birds of prey I have mentioned, is protected. 



a 35irt)'s Dav). 



By Mrs. DE CouRCY Laffan, 



Author of The Waftifig oj Wings, etc., etc. 



^^^URING a tedious convalesence after an illness, 

 "n I my attention was much centred upon a 

 ,-■->' pair of Bullfinches that inhabited a cage hang- 

 ing near my window. Every little action of the 

 pretty pair became familiar to me, and I quickly 

 realised the beauty and poetry of what I may call " A 

 Bird's Day." 



At early dawn, when first the pale amber 

 light began to steal through the lattice of the Venetian 

 blinds, a soft — very soft rustling of feathers was 

 audible ; there came a little plaintive note from one or 

 the other, as who should say " Is this a new day, 

 dear ?" then silence and — I doubt not — waiting, to see 

 how things progressed. When the light grew, and 



