220 FIFTEEN DAYS ON THE DANUBE. 
ducks flew about over our heads in great numbers, but 
unfortunately always took care to keep well out of range. 
I now thought of getting back to the open water to look 
for the companions whom I had left behind, and on my way 
across the lonely little sheets of quiet water among the reeds 
I saw Crested Grebes, Little Grebes, Moorhens, and Ducks of 
various species, but unluckily all too far away to allow of my 
getting good shots. The scene, however, was both striking 
and peculiar, for above was the dark-blue sky, and below 
the clear water, only here and there varied by bright green 
aquatic plants, while the rustling of the tall pale yellow reeds 
that closed every outlook and the monotonous call of the 
Moorhens were the only sounds that broke the deep impres- 
sive silence. 
By dint of much exertion we reached the rest of the 
party, who had meanwhile been rowing round the edges of 
the thicker reed-beds and observing the passing waterfowl]; 
and when I had exhibited the splendid wild goose to the 
astonished sportsmen and had got into one of the boats, we 
began our homeward route, and soon found ourselves at the 
keeper’s house, where we went on board the ‘Vienna.’ On 
our way to the Danube we caught sight of a Hobby darting 
swiftly along the bank, and bagged the beautiful bird, Brehm 
and I both firing at precisely the same moment. 
After this short interlude we went on again and soon 
brought our last excursion to an end, for we now went on 
board our steamer, and did not leave her again until we got 
to the quay at Pest. 
My brother-in-law had already returned, having unfortu- 
nately missed the eagle as it was flying up to its nest, so that 
our day’s bag only consisted of a Grey Lag Goose, a Purple 
Heron, a couple of Black Terns, and a Hobby. 
As soon as all the men were on board, the steamer got 
