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On birds m Macedonia.



which are then skinned by the Greeks, who are noted for over¬

loading their animals and finally sitting on the top of the pack.


Rooks and jackdaws in huge flocks used to find food in plenty

about the camps at Lembet, and were thoroughly at home and very

tame; among them were a few carrion and hooded crows. Each

night the rooks in long straggling line used to fly homeward to the

north-east, and reminded me of the proverbial short cut “ as the

crow flies.” Latterly we have seen none. There are few trees here

and probably nesting in the trees up country takes up all their

attention. The jackdaws, too, are now found and have settled down

to village life, where the spacious and well-overhung eaves give

shelter for their nests. In the male there is a conspicuous white

edge to the lower part of the grey nape.


Langaza lake is a great resort for wildfowl’. On my last visit

I rode right up to the water’s edge to satisfy my curiosity, as I

remember once doing when near Lake Superior, Canada. I found

the water, in each case, fresh not salt. The ripple of the waves

reminded me of Lake Superior, but Langaza lake was above its

usual water mark owing to heavy rains, and the waves broke over

the green turf. The only birds I saw were coots and black-headed

gulls, both very plenteous. But geese, swans, mallard, teal, and

widgeon, also cormorants and ruddy sheldrake, I have seen shot in

some of the regimental messes. The gunners have usually utilized

a boat for their sports. When encamped at Lembet, now about

two months ago, it used to be a never-ending pleasure to observe

night and morning the great Y-shaped flight of geese and sometimes

swans. The long line, often containing 100 birds, were marvels of

mathematical accuracy.


Between Langaza itself and the lake is an ancient Roman

bath built over hot springs. The domed roof, perfect octagon of

sides, and the dim light due to the steam are things to remember.

Near these baths are great nests of the storks. The shocks lie upon

elm trees and chimneys of deserted houses. No storks were there

when I visited this spot, but I am told they are very numerous now.

But, as early as March 3rd, on nearing the village of Guvesne, near

a mound, I watched a stork on the banks on Guvesne Dere (stream).

Its colour, as it stood upright, was white with black wings and tail,



