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MY GARDEN. 



history. They are more frequent in winter than in summer, and occa- 

 sionally breed with us. A specimen of the Sclavonian Grebe (Podiceps 

 cornutus, fig. 1131) has once been obtained from our water. 



The Water Rail (Rallus aquatiais, fig. 1132) has been seen in 

 winter during the last few years ; and the Land Rail (Crex pratensis^ 

 fig. 1133) has been heard in the meadows in summer. 



Moorhens (Gallinula chloropus, fig. 1134) exist in large numbers 

 on our water, and are a great ornament to the lake. They breed 

 freely with us, and sometimes construct their nests in the bulrushes 

 just above the water-line, and sometimes in the bushes ; and one which 



FIG. 1134. Moorhen. 



FIG. 1135. Moorhen's Nest. 



I have figured (fig. 1135) was made in a black-currant bush. It is 

 interesting to see the moorhen, when the little brood are hatched, 

 conducting them over the Jake, and showing them where food is to 

 be found. The swans quarrel with them, especially the male swan, 

 which cruelly kills the young ones when he can get at them. I once 

 saw a moorhen heroically defend her young brood. She assumed a 

 defiant attitude and flew at the swan, taking care to keep out of 

 reach of his bill. By this manoeuvre the swan's attention was diverted, 

 and the young birds, being much frightened, betook themselves, with 

 the exception of one which was cruelly crushed up by the swan and 

 killed, to safe quarters amongst the flags. If food be scarce, the 

 moorhens do some damage by eating the lettuces and cabbages ; 

 otherwise they feed exclusively upon the water-weeds. These birds, 

 from being seldom molested, become bold, and will walk about the 



