MARLBOROUGH COLLEGE. 



6i 



I paused in wonder at the strange coincidence which, prima facie, 

 seemed to bring two rarities to one estate ; and although my 

 ignorance regarding petrels is profound, armed with the best 

 authorities I had, I hastened to Mr. Penyston's house, where I 

 measured, weighed, and scrutinized the bird, and then came to the 

 conclusion that it must be a specimen of the Manx-Shearwater — 

 comparatively a common bird. But there it is, in Mr. Penyston's 

 collection, for others more expert than I am to examine. 



About the same time the Andalusian Quail was killed, Mr. 

 Lyne, a gentleman in the neighbourhood, shot a Roller. I had 

 heard of this bird and 

 longed to see it when a 

 boy — before this lovely 

 species became familiar 

 to me in other countries. 

 I did not know where 

 Mr. Lyne lived ; but a few 

 days ago I was walking 

 through a neighbouring 

 town, and passing an open 

 door, I saw a stuffed Roller 

 in a case standing in the 

 hall. I rang the bell, and 

 said, " Mr. Lyne or his 

 representative lives here ! " 

 My surmise proved quite 

 correct, and much to the the roller. 



surprise of the man who 

 arrived in answer to my 



summons, I exclaimed, " Everything comes to those who can aiford 

 to wait ; I have been waiting for nearly half-a-century to see 

 that bird ! " 



It is much to be deplored that all strange, gaily-coloured birds are 

 killed directly they reach our shores, for if allowed to stay, they 



