248 Bird-Life in London. 



ness of houses. As the human population increased, 

 so did the bird population decrease ; but the rooks, 

 though in yearly diminishing numbers, held their 

 own, as is their wont in towns, long after many other 

 birds had retired, till at length, apparently dis- 

 gusted with the somewhat ruthless felling of the 

 trees in Kensington Gardens which was carried 

 out, no doubt, under high authority, but perhaps 

 not altogether with knowledge they, too, gave up 

 the contest, and retired to Holland ^Park. Now, 

 however, they have returned we hope not to be 

 disturbed again, but to build in increasing numbers 

 for many years to come. Their return was heralded 

 by one pair, which built successfully last year in 

 the south-west corner of the Gardens, in one of the 

 trees that once formed part of the fine avenue that 

 shaded the old walk running at right-angles to the 

 Palace. 



It is curious that the bird population of London 

 seems still to be undergoing a process of change, 

 some species being largely on the increase, while 

 others are decreasing in numbers, or have quite 

 recently disappeared. The wood-pigeons afford the 

 most noticeable example of increase in numbers, as 

 they are now fully established, not only in the 

 parks, but also in many of the squares which have 

 trees suitable for them to build in, and they have 

 extended their range well within the City boundary. 

 They may always be seen in Palace Yard, West- 

 minster, and for the fourth year in succession 

 a pair are nesting in the elm tree over the fountain 



