6 IN BIRD-LAND 



In a very short time we discovered one belonging 

 to a Willow- Wren, while Tree- Creepers, Blue Tits, 

 and a pair of Pied Wagtails were flying about with 

 food in their beaks, showing that evidently they 

 had their own nests near at hand. Long-tailed 

 Tits were also busy round a thick bush, and many 

 other birds were also to be seen. We seemed to 

 have suddenly come into a paradise of the feathered 

 singing tribes, after our tiring walk through the 

 thick of the wood. 



What struck me most forcibly, however, was the 

 extreme tameness which had at once imparted 

 charm to the cottage garden. The Tree-Creeper's 

 nest was near the cottage door, where a large dog 

 was chained to an adjacent tree, the birds inhabit- 

 ing which, being in nowise incommoded by the 

 dog's presence, for they continued to feed their 

 young as unconcerned as though he was their 

 chosen companion. A girl of or about three 

 years of age, the wood-keeper's daughter, also 

 stood near while we photographed these nests. 

 This interesting child probably inherited her 

 father's instinct, for she seemed to watch us very 

 closely, as if to make sure that we took no eggs, 

 and thus to enjoy the gratification of presenting 

 a favourable report of such inquisitive intruders 

 when she returned to her mother. 



