RUBBISH-HEAPS 63 



Of course the boys must have their 

 shooting parties. Some of them are very 

 skilful with the catapult, and when bored 

 with life they are quite equal to shooting at 

 their elders. Others frequent the pools, 

 wading after efts and sticklebacks. Once I 

 saw a systematic dragging of the ponds 

 with the aid of an old army blanket. 



At another end of the preserve bird- 

 catchers are busy with clap-nets and call- 

 birds. Perhaps, if you go near, surly looks 

 will greet you, and you may hear the sound 

 of frail wings ceaselessly fluttering against 

 the bars of tragically overcrowded and small 

 cages. Sometimes goldfinches flit over, their 

 sweet sipping notes rising and falling as 

 they pass to the thistleheads of last autumn; 

 and wistfully comes the answer from the 

 cages as beaks covered with blood are 

 thrust again and again through the bars. 



I knew this place years ago, when it was 

 the country. The land is for sale ; they are 

 going to build ; and the house-squares of 



