46 WITH THE TSEAND BIRDS ONCE MOLE 
but growing in the stream, strike the eye— 
companions to the tall and handsome purple 
loosestrife stems amongst the sand and 
stones, that by and by will add vivid colour 
to the scene. White and scarlet catchflies 
are flourishing in fine style, stealing a 
march upon the yarrows, pink and _ grey. 
The bloom is still upon the may, whilst 
privet bushes show a wealth of bud. And 
prickly blackberries are promising great 
things for tarts and jam this year. This 
island, like the others, is covered with dense 
undergrowth, from which the oak grows out, 
with its young and tender tassels dancing in 
the breeze, and many so-called “oak apples’ 
(insect-made) hanging from the stems. Alders 
and poplars have a place amongst the 
greenery, making a contrasting background 
and a shelter for their shorter friends. Now 
and then a catkin is shed from a bowing 
willow branch, and the stream floats the 
tiny seeds along to find a new home for 
themselves. Peering from the boat down 
into the stilly depths, and choosing a calm 
