under the hedge. She did not see me, and fed quite unconcernedly past me 

 within a few yards; the little downy chicks ran nimbly about and caught 

 the insects on the grass stems, often clustering round their mother as she 

 found some choice morsel for them. She pecked the ground just as a hen 

 does, and called the young ones round her. When I stood up she gave the 

 .il.irm at once, and ran into the hedge, while the young ones squatted flat on 

 the ground, trying to hide. When picked up they scratched and fought 

 vigorously, running away into the hedge when liberated without trying to 

 hide again. 



. 



