Virginian Nightingales 103 



some arctotus grandiflora were there too — as summer 

 visitors. The rocks were scattered about, as on a 

 mountain side, so that all were not heaped upon each 

 other, but here and there isolated, with turf inter- 

 spersed, from which sprang up, as nature likes to have 

 them, narcissi and tulips, appearing here and there, 

 just as they would grow without one's aid. 



So much more beautiful than in the formal beds 

 fronting the house. 



In the pool beneath a cavernous recess goldfish 

 were swimming ; and a blackbird, which had been 

 bathing there, flew hurriedly away with clamorous 

 notes of alarm as I appeared. 



As I pass a small yew tree — a mere sapling — what 

 should fly from it but the hen Virginian nightin- 

 gale ? Peering into the thicker part of the bush — for 

 it is little more — I am astonished to see a sufficient 

 gathering of fine roots and twigs to show that a nest 

 is being built ; and in such a manner, with such a 

 mixture of materials, that I at once feel sure it is the 

 work of no ordinary inhabitant of the garden. 



Yet can it be the Virginian lady ? 



She has only been liberated during four and twenty 

 hours, about seven of which have been without light. 



It puzzles me, this rapid decision and quick carry- 

 ing out of architectural plans on her part. 



Certainly she was there, and certainly the gathered 

 rootlets are freshly arranged. 



But I must bide my time, for she is fussing about 

 amongst the laurels and lilacs close by, and so I walk 

 on to see after other things. 



