::::::::sSk OASIS AND DESERT le::::;::: 



half the globe between him and his native land, yet, 

 when there comes to eye, ear, or nostril the veriest hint, 



— a scent, a sound, a glimpse of feathers blue and white, 



— the mind pours forth a Hood of memory which 

 eclipses, for the moment, all nearer, stranger scenes. 



Over the marsh wall ahead of us scrambled a score 

 of ivory-billed coots, splashing down among the water 

 hyacinths and swimming slowly away, without the 

 least sign of fear. Beyond were Blue-winged Teal, 

 Pintails, and Mallard Ducks; while several Shoveller 

 drakes, in their beautiful spring dress, were noisily 

 sifting the mud through the lamellce of their broad bills. 



A PINTAIL DUCK, A CAPTIVE WILD BIRD 



«# 73 ^ 



