40 RIVERSIDE LETTERS v 



sort of game. Why do they do it ? When 

 it is only a pair of birds that perform these 

 antics one naturally supposes that it is done 

 to divert the attention of the passer-by from 

 the situation of their nest ; but here was a 

 flock of a dozen or more apparently engaged 

 in mere play ; they seem to enjoy letting you 

 approach quite near and then popping away 

 over the hedge to appear again a little farther 

 on. I have often seen swarms of gnats keep 

 up with me along a road, and the river-flies 

 will sometimes travel long distances in com- 

 pany with a boat, but for what purpose I am 

 quite at a loss to imagine. 



