280 WILD LIFE OF SCOTLAND 



larger and deeper lochs, and finally to estuaries, 

 for food. 



As weeks pass by, a little wave of restlessness 

 trembles over the scene. In the life of birds in 

 general, and estuary birds in particular, are two 

 well-marked annual phases. There is a time to 

 die, and a time to be born. The waste, which 

 must be enormous, they are bound to repair, or 

 perish; and they will soon be off to the quiet 

 moors and marshes; or to the quieter shores be- 

 yond the sea, to undertake the mighty task. They 

 are fairly successful. As between life and death, 

 the balance, in most forms, remains slightly in 

 favour of life. 



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