FIFTH DAY. 85 



larger nests. The former had also missed a fine roe, and the 

 latter brought as his bag four small birds which he had shot 

 for scientific purposes. 



As soon as our spoils had been committed to Hodek's 

 careful hands for packing, we sat down to an ample, excellent, 

 and refreshing lunch, which Herr Rampelt, with his kind 

 consideration for our wants, had ordered to be specially 

 prepared for us. Our large table stood in a shady place near 

 the shooting-lodge, and round us was ranged the caravan of 

 unharnessed carriages. The horses were grazing, and the 

 peasants and drivers, as well as our own retainers, were resting 

 under the trees. The w r hole scene had a very singular ap- 

 pearance, and but for the sharp contrast formed by the well- 

 covered table in the centre our camping-ground might have 

 been taken for the resting-place of a band of gipsies. It had 

 grown very hot and oppressive, the insects were swarming 

 round us most unpleasantly, heavy clouds were piling them- 

 selves up in the west, and far away we heard the low rumbling 

 of the thunder. This made us look anxiously at the sky, for 

 the prospect of a heavy storm was extremely disagreeable, as 

 a good many miles lay between us and our steamer. 



After tasting the various truly delicious wines grown on 

 my uncle's Hungarian estates, we ordered the carts to be 

 got ready, and started again in the best of spirits for another 

 little ramble through the woods. Bombelles was to combine 

 a visit to a Black Stork's nest with a short stalk after roe; 

 Homeyer wished to remain a little longer at the shooting- 

 lodge to put his notes in order ; while my brother-in-law, 

 Brehm, and I took a couple of carts, and drove off in the 

 same direction, intending to make a joint inspection of some 

 nests. 



The first part of our way lay through a long ride, where 

 we passed a deserted Osprey's nest. In these afternoon hours 

 there was plenty of life in the woods. Black Kites and 



