THE HERONRY IN RICHMOND PARK 113 



the Kingston Gate, and forms the main feeder of the 

 lake, passes through its lower side, and is joined by 

 other springs which ooze up in the plantation, to form 

 a miniature marsh, in which the young broods of wild- 

 ducks and moor-hens shelter. Even the red deer, 

 which come at evening and in the early morning to 

 browse on the floating tops of the water-lilies, and to 

 drink the purer water at the lake head, are sometimes 

 tempted to cross the narrow straits, and crop the rank 

 herbage of the marsh beyond. Once hidden among the 

 tall oaks and rhododendrons, the trespassing stag will 

 remain alone for days, enjoying the comparative silence 

 and solitude which the fenced and locked enclosure 

 affords. 



The very dry and hot spring and early summer of 

 1893 were exceptionally favourable to all the birds 

 and beasts which rear their young in the park. The 

 last day of April was more like a hot June day, with 

 all the freshness of young spring in the leaves of the 

 trees ; and the newly-arrived birds, as well as those 

 which had spent the winter in the park, were revelling 

 in the warmth. It was the most joyous spring day I 

 ever remember. The trees seemed all to have rushed 

 into leaf together. The birds were almost beside them- 

 selves with happiness, which they showed each after 

 their fashion. All the spring warblers, resting after 

 their journey over sea, were practising their song, wild- 

 ducks were flying in pairs high over the lake presum- 

 ably mallards that were unoccupied with their broods 

 the lesser spotted woodpeckers, the cuckoos, redstarts, 



