10 RAVENS. 



with their early and glittering leaves, while the 

 sight of some sturdy old oak pollards, covered 

 with ivy, from which 



The stock-dove only through the forest cooes 

 Mournfully hoarse 



verdant hollies, and here and there a wild cherry 

 tree, with its silvery blossoms, added to the charm 

 of the scenery. Sometimes a rabbit, a hare, or a 

 pheasant would run for shelter amongst the fern 

 a herd of deer might be seen reposing in some 

 sequestered dell, or a group of cattle indolently 

 standing in the shallow water of a pond. Such 

 was the spot we were engaged in contemplating 

 with that delight which a lover of nature alone 

 can experience, (it was near the Sandpit gate), 

 when our attention was called to the hoarse croak- 

 ing of a pair of Ravens, who were apparently en- 

 deavouring to take possession of one of the nests 

 of the herons that build on the tops of the trees, 

 which, in this part of the park, far exceed in 

 height any I have yet met with. The heron 

 defended its nest with great courage, uttering 

 shrill and distressed cries, and after the battle had 

 lasted some length of time, the ravens were beaten 

 off. 



This herony is a noble appendage to the Park, 

 and any monarch might well be proud of it, as 

 well as of the trees on which the nests are built. 

 As I am not aware of there being more than 



