The Yantle. 143 



with the greatest care. Not a trace of anything 

 eatable was to be found. Were they trying to 

 substitute ice for water ? Not a drop of water 

 was to be found anywhere near. I have seen 

 Fieldfares and Redwings doing the same thing in 

 Christ Church meadow at Oxford, but the un- 

 frozen Cherwell was within a few yards of them. 1 

 Whether or no the Long-tails were trying to 

 appease their thirst, I may suggest to those who 

 feed the starving birds in winter, that they should 

 remember that water as well as food is necessary 

 to support life. 



The Yantle is a great favourite with Plovers, 

 Turtle-doves, and Wood-pigeons, and in the 

 winter it is much patronized by Fieldfares and 

 Redwings. And a day or two ago I surprised 

 four Curlew here (March 21), on their way from 

 the sea to their inland breeding-places. But 

 enough of the village and its gardens and out- 

 lying meadows ; in the next chapter we will stroll 

 further afield. 



1 Stone-chats have been observed busy in this way near 

 Oxford. A. H. M. 



