14 THE BIRD WATCHER 
experience, the stoutest resistance ; for it will turn to 
bay and show fight, both in the air and on the water, 
when it has been driven down upon it. Generally it 
is able to hold its own, and I look upon it as a 
vigorous young Christian nationality, in course of 
establishing its independence against the intolerable 
yoke of Turkish oppression. 
These skuas love brigandage so much that, amongst 
themselves, they play at it; swooping, fleeing, and 
pursuing, each feigns, in turn, to be spoiler or spoiled. 
So, at least, I understand it, for nothing ever comes of 
these mock skirmishings, no real fight or flight, or 
anything approaching to one. It is fun, frolic, witha 
sense of humour, maybe, as though two pirates were 
playfully to hoist the black flag at each other. I love 
the humour of it. I love the birds. Above all, I 
love that wild cry of theirs that rings out so beauti- 
fully ‘“‘to the wild sky,” to the mists and scudding 
clouds. By its general grace and beauty, by its 
sportings and piracies, its speed of flight and the 
rushing sweeps of its attack, this bird must ever live 
in the memories of those who have known it: but, 
most of all, it will live there by the inspiring music of 
its cry. 
