no BUSH DAYS 



they disappeared into the darker depths. Then over the water, 

 splashing and dashing, came a school of porpoises in holiday 

 mood ; some darted rapidly through the sea, others rolled over 

 lazily in the still water, but one and all seemed to be enjoying 

 the day to the utmost. On the surface of the water, not far 

 from the rocks, sat a mutton-bird fast asleep. Up and down 

 he floated, riding dry and secure above every wave. We 

 watched him for a long time, as he drifted quietly southwards, 

 a rusty brown-grey speck on the green waves, until he was 

 lost to sight in the distance. 



Then, while \ve w r ere eating our lunch, came sailing up four 

 beautiful grey birds. " Reef herons," we whispered excitedly, 

 and kept very still for fear of frightening them. But they 

 took no notice of us. For they, too, were intent on lunch, and 

 swept gracefully down on to the Reef. We had seen the birds 

 before, just odd ones sailing along off shore, as w r e had stood 

 on the top of some cliff; but to find them here, quite close and 

 quiet, and a w r hole four of them, was indeed a bit of luck. For 

 nearly an hour the four beauties stalked about the Reef, feed- 

 ing on the many crustaceans, and we were able to admire them 

 to our hearts' content. At last something seemed to frighten 

 them, and all four rose suddenly and swept away northwards . 



But they did not leave us lonely. A flock of gannets had 

 come flying up from the south, and we watched them feeding 

 about half a mile from the shore. Evidently it was a regular 

 restaurant, for the birds stayed in one spot, diving again and 



