14 BRITISH BIRDS 



liberations, their preliminary practice for the long, 

 pathless journey ; their sudden swift departure at last, 

 in a majestic figured flight that rides the upper air in 

 unbroken perspective on and on to the utmost verge of 

 the far-off horizon. These are inland birds, like the 23< 

 swift and the swallow (and the stork, now a rare 

 visitor to our shores) ; but who can recount the trans- 

 migrations that enliven the rocky coast ? Among the 

 naked, melancholy isles of Orkney, and along the 

 storm-battered line of the Hebrides, what nations of 

 birds come and go ! They rise in infinite numbers, in 

 living clouds upon clouds, clothing the isle of Skye as 

 with wings, darkening the air for hours and for 

 days, and making human speech inaudible with their 

 clamour ! 241 



Grouse Thomson was a humane poet, and had no sympathy 

 ^partridge w ^ n ^ ne sportsman bird-shooting in August or Sep- 

 shooting tember on the moor or among the stubble. He has 



- a P^ c ^ ure ^ n one ^ The Seasons of a pointer c with 

 man. open nose drawing full on the latent prey'; of the 

 covey, with varied plumes huddled together, and 

 turning a vigilant eye every way through the rough 

 stubble; of the sudden leap of the birds for safety 

 into the boundless air ; and of the gun, 



Glanced just, and sudden, from the fowler's eye, 25< 



bringing them dead to the ground, or driving them, 

 'wounded and wheeling devious', down the wind. 

 But he has no delight in the sport. His was a peace- 

 ful Muse, 



Then most delighted when she social saw 

 The whole mixed animal-creation round 

 Alive and happy. 



