NATURE IN JULY. 



II. 



It is a difficult task to decide as to which is the most delight- 



o 



ful month for the lover of Nature, but after returning from a 

 thirteen mile ramble across country on a beautiful July day, 

 my decision has certainly a leaning towards this month although 

 in a previous essay I was speaking of leafy June far outshining 

 them all I True the majority of the song birds are silent by 

 this time most birds are when parental care commences but 

 nevertheless there is plenty left by the country side to interest, 

 elevate, and amuse. 



This is still the season of the Wild Roses. On the pliant branches 

 the various pink and deep red hues hang in exquisite festoons, 

 whilst the ground is strewn with the fragrant petals. Very 

 fragile are these roses to pluck them is only to waste them 

 their place is as Nature has chosen, and even in this position 

 they do not remain long without shattering. Still they are 

 beautiful, and he who has a taste for loveliness does not fail 

 to appreciate them. 



Through a green lane a few Blackbirds were still busy 

 nesting; this was July 3rd and I found one nest with five eggs, 

 and also a Garden Warbler's containing three eggs, to all appear- 

 ances forsaken. The Blackcap now and then uttered a few notes, 

 and the little Wren poured out its melodies frequently. The 

 Turtle Doves in the distant woodlands were cooing sweetly and 

 lovingly one to another, and one of the earliest migrants the 

 Chiff Chaff was still to be heard. The joyous Willow Wren, too, 

 treated us to a right royal July welcome, as well as the Tree Pipit. 



Passing on I suddenly heard a cry, and keeping on the 

 alert I observed a Kestrel high up in the air. For some minutes 

 I stopped and watched its graceful flight. Now almost motion- 

 less above the tree tops, then with a swift curve to the right 

 and round again, then once more on poignant wings and 



12 



