THE SWAN AND HER CREW. 



growth of plant-life that fringed the water, stooping to avoid 

 the trailing branches of the trees, and enjoying themselves 

 mightily in exploring. 



u Is that a crow's nest in yonder tree ? " said Jimmy. 



" I expect so, and there is the bird on, but her head does 

 not look like a crow's. Hit the trunk with the oar," said 

 Frank. 



As the blow vibrated through the tree, the sitting bird flew 

 off, and what do you think it proved to be ? A wild-duck f 



r 



\ 



WILD DUCK. 



The boys were astounded. They had heard of ducks build- 

 ing in hollow trees, and at some distance from water, but to 

 build a nest on the top of a high tree seemed incredible, so 

 Frank said he would climb up and see the eggs, but 



" Let me go," said Dick, " I have never climbed a tall tree, 

 and it looks an easy one, although it is tall, for there are plenty 

 of branches/' 



" Oh, please take care, Dick," said Mary. 



" Oh, he will be all right. You never tell me to take care, 

 young woman," said Frank, laughing, while Mary blushed. 



