218 WILD-DUCKS. 



I like at times, but there is an irresistible fascination 

 in solitary communion with Nature ; for the sake of 

 which I would abandon the most brilliant scenes of 

 life and civilised society. 



On a point of rock that jutted far into the clear, 

 pellucid water I took my stand, and gazed on a scene 

 of surpassing beauty. The sun, resembling an im- 

 mense orb of fire, just touched the horizon, gilding 

 the clouds with his own regal hues. While I was 

 admiring this unequalled spectacle, my attention was 

 distracted by a family of wild ducks, led by their 

 mother, which came from some neighbouring sedge, 

 and commenced feeding at my feet, not thirty yards 

 intervening between me and the happy little coterie. 

 As they were unaware of my presence, all their 

 actions were natural ; they were quite untrammelled 

 by fear, and I watched their proceedings with the 

 greatest pleasure. 



Wild-duck, also, unencumbered by domestic ties, 

 winged their way to favourite feeding-grounds, 

 while white-headed eagles and heavy-flighted cranes 

 pursued their course to their roosting-places. With 

 these bidding the landscape good-night, I bowed my 

 adieu ere the drop-curtain of darkness descended to 

 shut out the scene. 



Our frugal repast was soon discussed, the sooth- 

 ing pipe was smoked, and I enjoyed a sound sleep, 

 disturbed neither by the owls' complaints to the 

 moon, nor by the howls of the wolf serenading her 

 garish majesty. 



