

WILD LIFE IN A SOUTHERN COUNTY. 



CHAPTER I. 



THE DOWNS THE ENTRENCHMENT WATS OF LARKS 



HARES A COMBAT HAPPINESS OF ANIMALS 



ANTS A LONG JOURNEY. 



THE most commanding down is crowned with the 

 grassy mound and trenches of an ancient earthwork, 

 from whence there is a noble view of hill and plain. 

 The inner slope of the green fosse is inclined at an 

 angle pleasant to recline on, with the head just below 

 the edge, in the summer sunshine. A faint sound as 

 of a sea heard in a dream a sibilant ' sish, sish,' 

 passes along outside, d} T ing away and coming again 

 as a fresh wave of the wind rushes through the 

 bennets and the dry grass. There is the happy hum 

 of bees who love the hills as the}' speed by laden 

 with their golden harvest, a drowsy warmth, and 

 the delicious odor of wild thyme. Behind the fosse 

 sinks, and the rampart rises high and steep two 

 butterflies are wheeling in uncertain flight over the 

 summit. It is only necessary to raise the head a 

 little way, and the cool breeze refreshes the cheek 

 cool at this height while the plains beneath glow 

 under the heat. 



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