THE SEDGE-WARBLER. 25 



The French call the kingfisher " Martin Pecheur," in 

 allusion to St. Martin's summer ; and Shakespeare says : 



" Expect Saint Martin's summer ; halycon days." 



There is a curious notion prevalent in some of the 

 counties of Great Britain that when the skin of the king- 

 fisher is hung up by a thread, the beak will always turn to 

 the quarter the wind is blowing from, or even before a 

 storm commences, and this curious weather-gauge may still 

 be found in many cottages. Shakespeare alludes to this in 

 " King Lear : " 



" Revenge affirm, and turn their halcyon beaks 

 With every gale." 



Christopher Marlowe also, in the " Jew of Malta : " 



" Into what corner peers my halcyon bill ? 

 Ha ! to the east." 



We plead for the kingfisher. Let us hope more merciful 

 and more sensible councils will prevail, and that we may all 

 again be delighted to watch the bright hues and rapid flight 

 of this " gem of the waters." 



THE SEDGE-WARBLER. 



When by the river-side we are often little aware how 

 we are surrounded by animal life, how many pairs of eyes 

 are intently watching our movements. One bird in par- 

 ticular is a constant companion, always hiding when one 

 is on the move ; but if for a moment one remains perfectly 

 still, a short babbling song, a little harsh in its note, issues 

 from the reeds, and a pretty little brown bird will probably 

 appear moving up the stems or resting on the top of a flag, 

 and will pour forth a series of varied notes, often imitating 

 those of other birds, at the same time being quite aware of 

 your presence. Any quick or hurried movement and he 

 at once disappears. His babble will cease, and he will 

 utter his low, warning call-note Churr-churr-churr; but 



