/// Fores I and Copse. 



145 



carefully taking clown from its pegs the scrupulously- 

 clean pin- tire breech-loader, and whistling to his 

 favourite dog, and conduct us by paths only known 

 to himself to many a secluded spot where shy birds 

 were nesting. Here it might be a Pheasant's nest 



The Woodcock. 



he would allow us cautiously to approach, and i)eer 

 down at the brown-mottled back of the hen bird as 

 she quietly brooded over her numerous eggs; there 

 a Wild Duck's nest out amongst the bracken would 

 be pointed out; whilst on rare occasions he w'ould 

 wander farther abroad into the most secluded wood- 

 lands, and take us to inspect the home of the Wood- 

 cock placed snugly under the bracken and brambles. 



( M 618 ) K 



