ii4 By Leafy Ways. 



wall of their unfinished nest. We see the two fairy- 

 like figures nestling side by side within the hollow, 

 and hear them whisper little staves of song. 



The hen bird, brooding on her eggs, shows at times 

 her glossy crown and a touch of her pure white throat 

 over the rim of the nest. 



Later still four little heads are seen looking out into 

 the world. Then conies the first plunge into the air. 

 All the neighbours take 'an interest in the great event. 

 Now they sail up to the nest, poising in the air a 

 moment with a twitter of encouragement ; now ad- 

 vancing, now retiring, trying all they know to tempt 

 the timid novices to spread their unproved wings ; 

 and when at last one of the little crew takes heart and 

 launches out into the airy deep, with what a chorus 

 do they welcome to their ranks the bold adven- 

 turer ! 



Now, young and old alike, swift and swallow and 

 martin, have turned their backs upon our shores ; 

 loitering here in the sunny streets of Pisa, lingering 

 there in warm Algerian highlands, but still moving 

 south, until they rest at last in lands of endless 

 summer. 



The sight of the last swallow is like the first footfall 

 of approaching Winter, ominous of rain and snow ; of 

 stinging east and bitter weather. 



How we shall watch for his return ! Many migrants 

 come and go unheeded. We listen indeed to the cry 

 of the cuckoo; we hear with rapture the anthem of 



