ERIEXDS IX FEATHERS 



the bush, though its tail was tucked, its feathers ruffled and it 

 appeared chilly. We were running no risks, so we took its pic- 

 ture. I should have taken the first one while it lay on its back, 

 to all appearances a dead bird, but I did not think of it until too 

 late. 



I put in a new plate, then when all was ready Molly-Cotton 

 gave the bird another drink, a big generous one. The air was 

 rapidly wanning with the rising sun and the bird now revived to 

 the point of feeling dishevelled, for it ruffled its feathers, shook 

 them and laid them so they looked very sleek. The little thing 

 felt spruce indeed, considering a few moments before, so I 

 made a second exposure. While I was hurrying to change a 

 plate for a third, the bird hopped to a twig above it, gave its tail 

 and wings a flirt then with a whizz darted over the nearest trees 

 and in a bee-line, as far as we could follow him, sailed toward the 

 South. 



THE XEST OF A HU.MMIXG-BIRD 



320 



