ii4 RIVERSIDE LETTERS xiv 



and he seems never tired of hunting for water- 

 rats. Kingfishers are much more frequently- 

 seen at this season, and their beauty is intensi- 

 fied by the subdued tones of the willows and 

 rushes. They have a sort of shrill whistling 

 note which is very pleasing, especially when 

 two are together and hold conversation. I 

 am afraid that I shall have very little more 

 boating this year as the wind is blowing 

 strongly from the south, with driving rain 

 which will cause the river to rise. 



