A STORM IN THE MARSHES 29 



splendid view is seen ; marsh-lands, sea, and shipping ; 

 green fields and distant woodlands ; whilst right 

 opposite is the Essex coast. From the downs I went 

 straight to the edge of the marsh below, to try and 

 find out where the hen-footed fowl had pitched. The 

 day was bright and warm, even sultry. 



And now I am in the marsh, which is covered by 

 countless old mole hillocks, and clumps of rushes, and 

 cut up by pools and dykes ; making my way by a 

 track known only to few, through the swamps to the 

 opposite sea-wall, close to where the Medway reaches 

 the salt water. Little has been seen yet except great 

 hares, which start up from the hillocks where they 

 had squatted ; red, rough-coated creatures, which look 

 like greyhounds as they speed away. Drawing near 

 to a shallow pool of some extent, fringed round the 

 edge with reed and short flag, I crawl along on the 

 ground to inspect it. Something moves the reeds, 

 and out steps the heron the Jack-ern of the marsh- 

 men with a cat-like movement ; neck stretched a 

 little forward, he slips away on the look-out for what 

 he can get. Nothing comes much amiss ; eel or 

 flounder, rats, mice, or birds, all comfort his stomach. 

 Catching sight of me as I rise, he gives a hoarse croak 

 and moves off to fresh quarters. Further on, near a 

 clump of rushes in a swamp, a water-rail runs, jerking 



