336 



HAMPSHIRE DAYS 



that grow beside the cottage, so that we may the 

 better enjoy their music. At intervals, too, we hear 

 the windy sibilant screech of the white owl across the 

 valley. Then the wild cry of the stone-curlew is 

 heard as the lonely bird wings his way past, and 

 after that late voice there is perfect silence, with star- 

 light or moonlight. 



