I04 Transactions of tlie [Sess. 



animals as pets, or under control, still, if we wish to see them at 

 their best, we must of necessity make their acquaintance at their 

 own abodes. No doubt some of them are shy, and it is difficult in 

 many cases to gain their confidence, but we should not on this 

 account refuse to make the attempt, and in doing so, let us always 

 keep in mind that animals are partial to practical kindnesses, and 

 attach little importance to words without deeds. In some districts 

 the country people believe that the lady Chaffinch is averse to take 

 even her would-be husband on trust, and that when, during the 

 pairing season, he registers vows of eternal devotion, she receives 

 these with the cry of " Prove it ! prove it ! " Such being the case, 

 lue can hardly expect to walk at once into the good graces of our 

 four-footed or feathered friends, and more is expected of us than 

 protestations of attachment. But if we once " prove it," there is 

 no limit to the confidence and trust they will repose in us. How 

 can we prove it? So far as our feathered friends are concerned, 

 the matter is simple. " The Society for Prevention of Cruelty to 

 Animals" does a good work, and all honour to its promoters and 

 supporters ; but we might go a step further, and supply a felt need, 

 by organising a company, the title of which sufficiently explains 

 the objects thereof— namely, " The Society for Augmenting in 

 Winter the Smaller Living's of the Birds." 



XIV.—SHAP SPA AND ITS SURROUNDINGS. 

 By Mr JOHN WALCOT. 



[Bead Feb. 22, 18S5.) 



Shap Spa is situated in the very heart of the Westmoreland Fells. 

 It is near the foot of a plantation which covers the banks of a 

 mountain stream, and which skirts a triangular flower-garden, op- 

 posite to which stands the hotel. It is a solitary building, in a 

 sheltered spot, and to the front has a pleasant outlook. Five min- 

 utes' walk in any direction from the hotel enables the visitor to 

 overlook a vast stretch of moorland, surrounded on every side by 

 lofty hills covered with heather. Over this district any one may 

 wander without restraint ; and as it is almost houseless, and is 

 from 900 to 1500 feet above the sea-level, he may realise the fuU 

 benefit of quietness and ozone. The hotel has been in existence 

 for many years, and in its present improved condition is able to 

 accommodate from sixty to seventy persons. Fortunately adver- 

 tising is not one of its necessities, for its homely character, excel- 

 lent management, generous diet, and moderate charges have suiSoed 



