A NESTING RAMBLE. 



I write these lines immedi tely after returning from a rural 

 ramble through one of the prettiest parts of the County of 

 Hertfordshire, a county of which we should be justly proud. 

 There is nothing especially gaudy about it, but everything is 

 simple and in its place; what there is of it is beautiful, and 

 as we stand gazing to the distant hill-tops we see nothing 

 that can be removed from the landscape without a positive loss 

 to harmony. 



The feathered race are now experiencing their busiest season, 

 and during this month and leafy June many birds only manage 

 to snatch a few hours respite from their untiring labours. All 

 our Summer migrants have by this time made their appearance, 

 and are anxious to commence the work of nidification without 

 delay. 



It is a pure and simple nesting excursion on which I have 

 thought fit to write in this article. 



It was towards the end of May, and after a somewhat dull 

 opening it turned out a most glorious afternoon. The showers of 

 the days preceding had performed their work perfectly ; the gentle 

 raindrops had washed away the dirt and dust that congregates 

 in dry seasons round the rapidly forming fruit, and have helped 

 to set it ; now we may look forward in joy and hope for the 

 harvest. 



I have not the space at my disposal to deal with the whole 

 forty-one varieties of nests met with - almost a record for such 

 a short ramble but I propose to deal with those which I 

 think will be of the greatest interest to the general body of 

 readers. 



It was not long before the first nest presented itself, and was, 

 as I had anticipated, one of the Chaffinch. Wonderful indeed 

 is the increase in these birds from year to year, and right glad 

 should we be that such a popular and pleasing songster is 



