AMONGST THE ISLAND BIRDS. EARLY MAY 13 
island, which we always call ‘Swan Island’ 
now, was densely overgrown with various 
bushes, trees and tangled weeds. We chose 
a pebbly beach for landing, where there 
seemed a likely spot through which we could 
pursue our way; my companion led, and 
I followed with the camera, and legs, and 
bag, finding some difficulty in keeping the 
velvet cloth for focussing from being torn. 
Thick elders, privet and blackberries had 
to be gone through somehow bit by bit. 
And soon we separated, each diligently bent 
on finding the first nest. All at once Edward 
shouted, ‘Here comes the old bird up the 
Bridal Path ; look out!’ And so we had to 
do, for he was much angered now. When we 
had landed he had done thesame, unknown 
to us, beneath the elder bush, and was now 
rushing up the path, resenting our intrusion 
on his island home. We let him pass, and 
then we followed him, keeping a safe dis- 
tance in the rear; Up, up, he. went,. his 
pathway leading in and out the brambles 
apd. the thors, . Fed led the way ,;. I, fol- 
