AUGUST IN BROADLAND. 



83 



The squirming grass-snake is replaced in his bag, and the heavily-laden little 

 man plods on again and his tongue keeps equal pace. 



4 Natterjack toads and common toads I never pass by, sir, for many folks like 

 them in their gardens and their greenhouses, where they earn their living snapping 

 up the insects. Newts and lizards I've a market for, and the tenants of the ditches 

 have to mind their P's and Q's when aquaria need replenishing.' 



Much more does the old man say, which space forbids to detail. 



WELCOMING A PERCH. 



After a jolly walk we find ourselves afloat. We shall not expect to see many 

 bearded tits or wild-fowl or coots or moorhens, or to have the willing company of 

 many a little reed-loving songster to-day, for other warblers in the boat will do the 

 singing; and snatches of familiar boating-songs will be the order of the day, no 

 doubt. And is it not well in every sphere of life that the ladies are more volatile 

 than men ? Why, bless you, phlegmatic man has much to be thankful for when 

 light-hearted, hopeful, sunshiny woman throws her pretty shadow across his path- 

 way ! 



