220 FIFTEEN DAYS ON THE DANUBE. 



ducks flew about over our heads in great numbers, but 

 unfortunately always took care to keep well out of range. 



I now thought of getting back to the open water to look 

 for the companions whom I had left behind, and on my way 

 across the lonely little sheets of quiet water among the reeds 

 I saw Crested Grebes, Little Grebes, Moorhens, and Ducks of 

 various species, but unluckily all too far away to allow of my 

 getting good shots. The scene, however, was both striking 

 and peculiar, for above was the dark-blue sky, and below 

 the clear water, only here and there varied by bright green 

 aquatic plants, while the rustling of the tall pale yellow reeds 

 that closed every outlook and the monotonous call of the 

 Moorhens were the only sounds that broke the deep impres- 

 sive silence. 



By dint of much exertion we reached the rest of the 

 party, who had meanwhile been rowing round the edges of 

 the thicker reed-beds and observing the passing waterfowl; 

 and when I had exhibited the splendid wild goose to the 

 astonished sportsmen and had got into one of the boats, we 

 began our homeward route, and soon found ourselves at the 

 keeper's house, where we went on board the c Vienna.' On 

 our way to the Danube we caught sight of a Hobby darting 

 swiftly along the bank, and bagged the beautiful bird, Brehm 

 and I both firing at precisely the same moment. 



After this short interlude we went on again and soon 

 brought our last excursion to an end, for we now went on 

 board our steamer, and did not leave her again until we got 

 to the quay at Pest. 



My brother-in-law had already returned, having unfortu- 

 nately missed the eagle as it was flying up to its nest, so that 

 our day's bag only consisted of a Grey Lag Goose, a Purple 

 Heron, a couple of Black Terns, and a Hobby. 



As soon as all the men were on board, the steamer got 



